Why ‘Screaming Heads’ is the best fall day trip

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5:30 am

Autumn is about much more than leaf-watching. Head to the Almaguin Highlands, just north of Muskoka, and you’ll discover a giant outdoor art environment that pairs peak fall colours with a surreal forest of massive concrete faces.

“Screaming Heads,” also known as Midlothian Castle & Gallery, was created by artist and retired teacher Peter Camani on his 300-plus-acre property. Its walkable trails wind through meadows, woods and ponds, leading to dozens of the most unusual monumental cast-concrete sculptures that turn the landscape into a surreal gallery (think open-mouthed faces, hands rising from the earth, and even horses in mid-leap).

More than 100 sculptures were created over a 30-year period, and some sculptures soar well over 15-20 feet!

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At the heart of the property is Camani’s residence. Midlothian Castle is a fortified, castle-like home that’s crowned by a two-headed dragon and flanked by towers! Wander past a giant sculpted “head” at the rear of the studio. It’s part living space, part artwork, and very on-theme with the sculptures scattered across the grounds. Notable clusters include the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Primeval Forest, a stand of roughly 18-foot concrete “trees” (time your visit to just before dusk for a gorgeous sunset backdrop).

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There’s no guided route when you arrive, but part of the fun is exploring. Give yourself at least an hour to wander the grounds, and bring sturdy shoes.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit as fall colours typically peak in Muskoka through mid-October, so expect rustic reds, oranges and golds surrounding the giant statues.

Visitors are welcome to explore from dawn to dusk. There’s a parking lot beside the house as well as a donation box to support the artist’s work! Screaming Heads (981 Midlothian Rd, Burk’s Falls, ON) is about 2.5-3 hours north of Toronto. Look for the unlocked spider-web gate.

If you can, stay in the Almaguin Highlands for a day or two and explore the region. The area is filled with lush forests and crystal-clear rivers that rival Muskoka’s, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers to go hiking, canoeing, fishing and camping.

It’s especially nice if you want an autumn colour tour beyond Algonquin’s busiest corridors!

Head to Mikisew Provincial Park (near South River) and explore its scenic trails, hardwood forest, and vibrant wetlands along the shorelines of Eagle Lake. Or check out the Forgotten Trails (South River). This is a network of over 40 km of trails, so you can explore everything from dense forests and wetlands alongside stunning panoramic views. High Rock Lookout Park (Sundridge) is the perfect spot to take a scenic drive and catch the sunset or observe the beautiful fall foliage, and you’ll get amazing views of Lake Bernard.

Move over Paris: 6 of the world’s best chefs are right here in Toronto

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:00 pm

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snapins ai 3701567783460945107 — Chefs Steven Molnar and Ryusuke Nakagawa

Forget stars! The world’s best chefs are being measured in knives now. The Best Chef Awards dropped its 2025 list in Milan on Thursday, honouring nearly 800 chefs across 69 countries with one, two, or three blades depending on their culinary clout — and six Toronto chefs made the cut. Copenhagen’s Rasmus Munk (Alchemist) retains the crown as The Best Chef in the world, with Ana Roš (Hiša Franko, Slovenia) and Himanshu Saini (Trèsind Studio, UAE) rounding out the top three. In total, 783 chefs across 69+ countries received knives!

One knife means “Excellent” — chefs who’ve made a real mark on the scene (421 earned at least 20 per cent of the points). Two knives means “World-Class” — the pros at the top of their game (236 hit 40 per cent or more). Three knives? That’s “The Best” — the 126 chefs who scored 80 per cent and higher, the sharpest of the sharp.

Toronto fared well on the world stage, with six chefs making the list (one two-knife chef and five one-knife chefs), as well as one two-knife chef from a popular restaurant in nearby Lincoln, ON.

Here’s how they rank:

Masaki Saito (Sushi Masaki Saito): Two Knives

Masaki Saito TIFF film Still Single — @sushimasakisaito/Instagram

Saito is Toronto’s only two-knife recipient to make this year’s list! The nod comes just weeks after Sushi Masaki Saito, long regarded as one of the city’s most exclusive dining experiences, was downgraded from two Michelin Stars to one (just one of a few notable snubs of the night).

Daniel Hadida & Eric Robertson (Pearl Morissette, Lincoln, ON): Two Knives

Pearl Morissette restaurant — Instagram: @restaurant_pearlmorissette

Restaurant Pearl Morissette (3953 Jordan Rd., Lincoln) was the highlight of the 2025 Michelin Guide ceremony: It was promoted to two stars, making it the region’s only double-starred Michelin destination! The 42-acre culinary oasis is just an hour’s drive southwest of Toronto in the picturesque Niagara region. Chefs Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson specialize in overwintering and cellaring techniques, making the most of locally and nationally sourced ingredients, from rice grown in Canada’s only rice paddies to seafood from both the east and west coasts.

Julie Hyde (20 Victoria): One Knife

The Michelin-recognized, 20-seat restaurant in the financial district is known for its seasonal tasting menus, featuring dishes like Iberico pork chops with bagna verde sauce, scallop-and-endive and rhubarb-strawberry jam with white chocolate pâte à choux. Even with the recognition, Hyde will depart 20 Victoria at the end of the year to pursue a new chapter (so, we’re sure there’ll be more awards for Hyde in the near future).

Ryusuke Nakagawa (Aburi Hana): One Knife

The chef behind Toronto’s modern kyō-kaiseki experience was recognized with one knife. This posh Japanese restaurant is tucked away in a pedestrian laneway off Yorkville Ave, and offers a lavish style of dining that draws on the traditions of Japanese tea ceremonies. In a recent Instagram post, Nakagawa stated that his chapter at Aburi Hana has ended (similar to chef Hyde, we’re sure there’ll be more awards for chef Nakagawa in the near future!).

Patrick Kriss (Alo): One Knife

Alo's Patrick Kriss — Alo’s Patrick Kriss @alobarrestaurants/Instagram

The chef/owner of Alo joins the 2025 Best Chef cohort at the one-knife tier. Michelin also gave Alo one star in the 2025 Toronto guide, noting its lively bar, where walk-ins are treated like VIPs (check out the marble-topped chef’s counter for a ringside view of the kitchen!). Alo is perched on the third floor of a heritage building on Spadina, serving the most delicious contemporary French-leaning cooking with warm service. Beyond Alo, Kriss leads the Alo Food Group (including Alobar Yorkville and Alder), and is a multiple-time Canada’s 100 Best “Outstanding Chef of the Year” honouree (2017, 2019 and 2020).

Moeen Abuzaid (Arbequina): One Knife

Chef Abuzaid heads up this new-wave, Arabic-leaning kitchen, with menu highlights like potato-spiced falafel and Mushroom Mutabbaq. He discovered his passion for the culinary arts and fresh ingredients at a very young age, and began cooking professionally at eighteen in Jordan’s top hotels. Today, Chef Abuzaid is considered a pioneer of elevated Arabic cuisine!

Steven Molnar (Quetzal): One Knife

Chef Molnar is the executive chef of this one-Michelin-star restaurant (the first Mexican restaurant in the city to achieve such an honour). One of the biggest things at Quetzal is that they only cook with fire (there are no traditional stoves or ovens). In terms of what Molnar will prepare, he always starts with a singular ingredient (something that’s in season) and then will “just start cooking it over the fire” to see how it accentuates the ingredient. You can read more about his culinary process here.

There were nearly 1,000 voters (a mix of chefs and industry pros) and 69+ countries represented in this year’s awards. Click here for the complete list of winners and honourees.

Canada’s first 100% Indigenous department store is returning to the Eaton Centre next month

By

Julia Mastroianni

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4:25 pm

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chelsee pettit founder — Aaniin founder Chelsee Pettit. Courtesy @aaniin.hello/Instagram

Last year, a groundbreaking (and long overdue) pop-up launched at the Eaton Centre: Canada’s first ever 100 per cent Indigenous-owned department store. Founded by Toronto’s own Chelsee-Marie Pettit, aaniin featured over 40 Indigenous brands from across the country — and now, the pop-up is making a return to the city’s largest mall, just in time for the holiday season.

The historic department store will be opening its doors at the Eaton Centre on Nov. 1, where shoppers can browse more than 6,000 square feet of Indigenous-owned brands. Featured vendors include Sephora favourite, Cheekbone Beauty, Toronto designer Lesley Hampton, gorgeous accessories brand Assinewe Jewelry and plenty of stocking stuffer ideas, like pieces by Kokum Scrunchies. The pop-up will run through January 2026.

New this year is the Bimaaadiziwin Marketplace: an online marketplace with its own dedicated section at the store, allowing Indigenous entrepreneurs to scale their business digitally and reach customers beyond the Eaton Centre. The marketplace was developed through aaniin’s Business Growth Cohort, an initiative by Pettit to help other Indigenous entrepreneurs launch their own businesses.

Pettit (who was named one of Streets of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2024) is from Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Ontario, and she began aaniin (which means “hello” in Ojibwe) in 2021 as a streetwear brand featuring T-shirts, athleisure and accessories adorned with Anishnaabemowin phrases. Each design featured a QR code with a translation so that customers, whether familiar or unfamiliar with the Ojibwe language, could understand and share what they’re wearing.

Aaniin has since expanded into an online department store featuring countless Indigenous owned clothing, makeup and accessory brands, and Pettit previously ran a few pop-ups at places like the Stackt Market. Her focus, though, was to expand nationwide — and she’s achieved just that with her Eaton Centre pop-up.

“It became clear to me at a young age that the strongest and most direct path to reconciliation is reclamation, and this starts and ends with the Indigenous economy,” she said in a statement.

Last year’s historic debut resulted in the brand exceeding its one-month sales goal in just 10 days, so it’s no surprise the pop-up is expanding from its one-month stint in 2024 to two months this year.

You can visit the shop when it opens on Nov. 1 on the second floor of the Eaton Centre. The grand opening celebration will feature giveaways, festive drinks and snacks, traditional dancing, interactive activities, photo booths and the chance to meet brand founders in person.

Seahorse in Summerhill: A SoHo-inspired seafood spot

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Jennifer Schembri

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1:41 pm

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snapins ai 3731787866923177164 — @cheffedericogarcia/Instagram

Summerhill has a brand-new addition, and it’s not your usual neighbourhood haunt. Seahorse, from veteran restaurateur Simon Bower (Mercer Street Grill, among others), combines polished hospitality with a youthful energy. His partners include Richard Renaud (Speducci Mercatto, Piano Piano) and Eamon Clark, son of Rodney from the city’s legendary Rodney’s Oyster House. In the kitchen, the former second-in-command at Quetzal, Federico Garcia is clearly ready to take the lead, and it shows.

The room & atmosphere

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On its first Saturday night, the restaurant was already buzzing. The space is anchored by a striking white stone bar that stretches nearly the full length of the room, wide enough to recall the bars at renowned oyster houses — a modern nod, perhaps, to Boston’s iconic Union Oyster House.

The crowd set the tone. Younger couples mixed in with some locals rather than the usual middle-aged Summerhill diners. It felt less like the traditional neighbourhood scene and more like SoHo in New York. The soundtrack was perfectly tuned for a Saturday night, adding to the sense that this pocket of the city is shifting fast. Between Manita, which is jammed open to close, the soon-to-open Mamakas, and now Seahorse, Summerhill is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s hottest dining areas.

Details matter: a whimsical “Hats & Caps” signed cubby greets you at the door, the menus are oversized and playful, and Bower himself works the room, chatting warmly with guests. The vibe is young, happy, and contagious.

Starters that stun

The menu is tight but thoughtful, divided into appetizers, salads, mains, “ice boxes” (their take on seafood towers served horizontally on silver trays), and desserts. We started with:

• Kampachi tuna tartare – razor-thin slices that would make a sushi master proud, dressed in a bright yuzu-vinegar sauce, paired with a delicate rémoulade and toasted bread.
• Runner beans – shockingly the star. Charred with perfect sear marks, dotted with capers and balsamic. Who knew runner beans could steal the show?
• Guinness on Nitro – even the beer got an upgrade. Their new system adds a touch of sweetness, turning an everyday pint into something memorable.

Mains with muscle

For mains, we split:

• Seafood pasta ($34) – handmade noodles prepared daily with perfectly cooked snow crab, executed with precision.
• Bouillabaisse/seafood boil hybrid ($69) – a generous mix of crab, tiger shrimp, mussels, potatoes, and corn. It leaned more toward a boil than traditional bouillabaisse, possibly because of the corn and potatoes, but was rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Both dishes were excellent, but if forced to pick, the bouillabaisse hybrid edged out for its complexity and sheer indulgence.

Ice boxes & dessert

The ice boxes, which are like a seafood tower on a baking tray, range from $45–$120 and are designed for sharing. They are excellent. I’m less of a seafood tower kind of guy, but I know many people love this form of dining, and if you’re one of them, you will not be disappointed. We finished with the peach cake – a huge, unapologetically delicious dessert that lived up to its promise. It was a generous portion and really delicious.

The verdict

snapins ai 3728787803133311651 — @seahorsetoronto/Instagram

With seafood sourced from Oroshi Market, a chef from one of the cities newly minted Michelin’s who is clearly ready to shine and Clark with Bower handling the rest, Seahorse is already hitting high notes. Dinner for two with drinks came in under $200 — not cheap, but for seafood of this quality, who can blame them.

Seahorse is more than a neighbourhood restaurant; it’s a destination, and another sign that Summerhill is transforming into Noblos, north of Bloor’s new Ossington.

Toronto’s top Italian chefs are serving a feast for charity this October

By

Erica Commisso

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12:32 pm

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On October 26, The Columbus Centre is hosting an Italian festival rooted in charity: The fifth annual Sagra di Toronto will bring a day of food and merriment to North York, all in the name of kindness.

Sagra di Toronto is a collaboration between San Pellegrino, Butcher Shoppe, Bondi Produce and Stella Artois to create a huge feast and donate the proceeds to the Boys and Girls Albion Club and Villa Charities, with a ton of Italian-Canadian talent and even more Italian eats. Other collaborators include Major League Catering, Tre Mari Bakery, Sugo and Baldassarre, and musician Frankie Moyo will also make an appearance, as will the mastermind behind Piano Piano, Victor Barry.

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Barry is old friends with the organizer of the event, Leandro Baldassarre, and says he’s been involved with the event for years. For the 2025 celebration, he’ll be responsible for expediting the food, a job he doesn’t take lightly. “I hope guests feel warm and comforted by the amazing food and service provided by amazing staff,” Barry says.

Everyone participating in Sagra di Toronto is a volunteer, and there is no public funding or grants supporting the event. It’s all donated by sponsors and food industry professionals, as well as volunteers who make everything tick. The event is order-at-the-door style, and the menu includes trippa, tortelli di zucca and polenta, and plenty of beverages will also be available. Last year’s event raised a whopping $29,000

“Sagra di Toronto isn’t just about one chef or one restaurant,” Barry says. “It’s about chefs, producers, and makers coming together to highlight the richness of Italian cuisine. Collaborating in this way shows the best of what hospitality can be: generous, communal, and joyful.”

Sagra di Toronto will take place at The Columbus Centre, located at 901 Lawrence Avenue West, on October 26. It will be held rain or shine, and happen in the parking lot and the gardens of the centre, and no advance tickets are required for the event.

Feature interview: Comedian Rick Mercer’s cross-country comedy tour hits Toronto tonight

By

Ron Johnson

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9:44 am

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Rick Mercer, Stand Up For Canada Tour — Rick Mercer

With his trademark wit and sharp eye on Canadian life, Rick Mercer is hitting the road this fall for a coast-to-coast Stand-Up for Canada tour, and we caught up with him ahead of the Toronto stop on the tour on Oct. 3, at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

What inspired you to launch this coast-to-coast comedy tour now?

I feel like the timing is right for a Stand-Up for Canada comedy tour. These are interesting times. My act hasn’t changed. I’ve always taken the line of celebrating the country, celebrating what I love about the country, talking about the country. And it just seems like now is the time for that. It’s about celebrating, not about dunking on the United States. They seem to be doing a good job of that themselves.

What does Stand-Up for Canada mean to you?

It’s a play on the times we’re in. And obviously we’re in a time where, for example, I spent the summer in Newfoundland, and I met so many people not just from Ontario, but from western Canada and from Quebec, that were visiting Newfoundland. We’ve always had those people, but there was way more than ever before. Obviously Canadians are travelling inside of Canada like they never had before. Obviously Canadians are buying Canadian like never before. When I first went out on a national tour many years ago, the tour was called Rick Mercer’s Hockey Comedy Night in Canada. And there were Americans, and there were Brits on the tour, and it was a great tour. And I said — and if I do it again — it’s going to be an all-Canadian lineup. Ever since then, that’s what I’ve done.

What about this lineup of young Canadian comics you have on the tour?

Well, these comedians — this is an A-list. This is not an up-and-coming cohort. I mean, they are young, certainly compared to me. But Sophie Buddle is one of the hottest in demand comedians anywhere in the United States and Canada right now — all the big comedy festivals, all the big night time talk shows. Julie Kim has been working steadily both sides of the border and in England. Mayce Galoni is one of the funniest guys working out there. These are all great comics, and people are going to be really thrilled to see them. And for a lot of people in my audience, they’re not running out to comedy clubs at 11 o’clock at night for a standup show. And I just know that my audience is going to love coming to see this show.

You’ve always blended political commentary with comedy. Will politics play a big role in this tour?

Well, sure. I always talk about the times that we’re in, and these are very interesting times. We’ve just come through an election that had a result that I don’t think anyone expected a year previous. Obviously, the Canada-U.S. relationship is fraught with unknowns right now. Canadians are also anxious, and there’s a lot of unknowns, but now is a good time for a laugh.

What do you hope audiences take away from the tour?

I know that people are going to walk away from this tour feeling great, and that’s the most you can ask for in a comedy show. That’s the goal, sending people home with a spring in the step and feeling good about the country and where we’re going.

You can watch movies on a Toronto airport runway turned drive-in theatre this weekend

By

Julia Mastroianni

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4:57 pm

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yzd drivein downsview airport — Courtesy YZD

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean Toronto’s outdoor activities are coming to an end. This weekend, forget the movie theatres and hang out under the stars, because Runway Reels is back with a two-night drive-in film experience at the old Downsview Airport.

Runway Reels takes place at Toronto’s YZD Hangar, offering a rare experience to watch films on the airport’s former runway.

Kicking off on Friday, Oct. 3, audiences can settle in and catch a screening of Titanic (1997), coinciding with YZD’s newest Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition which is currently on at the Exhibition Hub. On Saturday, Oct. 4, enjoy some Disney magic with a screening of Lilo & Stitch (2025), which connects to themes of YZD’s art installation Runway Rivers.

Each film will feature preshow entertainment and snacks to purchase before the screenings. Plus, if you don’t have a vehicle, no problem: movie-goers can choose between drive-in style seating or lounge seating, so everyone can find a place to sit on The Runway.

The former Downsview Airport stopped operating back in 2024 and is being redeveloped into YZD, a project by Northcrest Developments which aims to transform the site into a cultural and residential space.

Currently, Runway Reels is a two-night event but if you can’t make this one, you can enjoy this nostalgic thrill at other drive-in movie theatres outside of Toronto like at the 5 Drive-In Theatre in Oakville. It operates daily until late fall and is equipped with three screens and a snack bar.

If you want to head south, the Starlite Drive-In Theatre also features three screens showing two films each, five days a week until the fall. The theatre even offers in-car food delivery, so you don’t miss any movie moments.

Runway Reels feature films begin at 6:30 pm and end at dusk. Admission is free, but make sure to register for the event on YZD’s website.

Here’s where celebrities from Jesse Eisenberg to the Jonas Brothers shop and eat in Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:06 pm

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Want to shop and eat like a celebrity? From stars who call Toronto home to A-listers who visit the city (or trust only our top creatives to help them dress their best), these celebs each have their own go-to places. Take your cues from these household names and live your own VIP life, right at home. Whether it’s streetwear shops frequented by the city’s top athletes or restaurants singers never miss when they’re touring here, this is our guide to where celebrities go when they’re in Toronto.

**Suits for Schitt’s Creek‘s star**

Harry Rosen is known for its quality suiting, and for Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy, it’s a one-stop shop. When he’s back in T.O., he goes there for everything from socks to designer shoes. 82 Bloor St. W.

Luxe outerwear fit for royalty

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Former Torontonian Meghan Markle is a staunch supporter of Canadian fashion — including outerwear brand Sentaler. The duchess has sported many an alpaca coat from the Yorkville shop. 55 Avenue Rd.

Making celebrities sparkle since 2007

jlo — Jennifer Lopez wearing a pair of Dean Davidson earrings in 2017. Courtesy deandavidson.com

Dean Davidson has been crafting demi-fine jewelry since 2007 — and the likes of Oprah, J.Lo and Sandra Bullock have been donning his T.O.-made sparkle since pretty much the beginning. 145 Berkeley St.

A hot sneaker spot beloved by NHLers

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Former Leaf Mitch Marner is all about flashy footwear, and he was visiting Hotbox back when they were a 180-square-foot store, always leaving with bright orange bags in tow. 122 Cumberland St.

Where the Jays shop for streetwear

Blue Jays star Guerrero Jr. — Instagram @Vladdyju27

Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recently shouted out Kenshi for its luxury goods and shoes. He knows what he’s talking about — he admitted he owns “200 to 300” pairs of sneakers! 99 Yorkville Ave.

Archival vintage worn by ‘it’ girls

Celebrities including Olivia Rodrigo and Emma Chamberlain trust Smoking Vintage to source the wildest and rarest archival finds for them — including head-to-toe Prada. 514a Annette St.

A secret boutique that movie stars flock to

When Margot Robbie, Jessica Chastain, Cindy Crawford and more are in town, they head to Augustina Boutiques — with minimal online presence, it’s a low-key gem filled with luxe brands. 1128 Yonge St.

An R & B star’s fave Vietnamese spot

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“This might be the best Vietnamese food I’ve ever had,” R & B star Kehlani raved while digging into massive short rib pho and green mussels at Pho Ngoc Yen. 350 Adelaide St. W.

Margaritas for Martha

Earlier this year, Martha Stewart hit up Toronto to promote her Netflix doc Martha, stopping at Quetzal for seafood and margaritas (she swears by the Saskatoon Berry with spicy salt). 419 College St.

Where Jesse Eisenberg takes the fam

Jesse Eisenberg at Curryish Tavern — Instagram: @curryishtavern

Actor Jesse Eisenberg, known for The Social Network, recently visited Curryish Tavern with his family, enjoying cheese curd samosas and green tomato butter chicken. 783 Queen St. W.

Your favourite chef’s favourite resto

Jamie Oliver, second from left, at Maha’s.

Jamie Oliver was in town promoting his new cookbook but found time for Maha’s Egyptian Brunch, where family dinner meant fava beans, falafel and plenty of Balady bread. 226 Greenwood Ave.

Blackpink’s fave Korean BBQ

Blackpink’s Lisa and Rosé dropped by North York’s 24-hour Korean barbecue spot Huh Ga Ne after their July concert. Fans went wild spotting the pop icons enjoying a late-night meal. 19A Finch Ave. W.

The Jonas Brothers take Yorkville

The Jonas Brothers made a pit stop at Adrak in Yorkville while filming in Toronto, indulging in lamb chops and chai biscuits, leaving owner Ambica Jain delightfully starstruck. 138 Avenue Rd.

Syrian hot spot attracts Coldplay’s opener

Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna, who just opened for Coldplay in Toronto, stopped by Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine in Davisville village with her band and turned dinner into a mini celebration. 4 Manor Rd. E.

Grammy-winner pays Nuit a visit

questlove kiin — Questlove takes a photo with a fan at Kiin. Courtesy @paitoronto/Instagram

Back in June, Questlove, of the Roots, dropped by Kiin, proving that even a Grammy-winning drummer can’t resist chef Nuit Regular’s legendary Thai flavours. 326 Adelaide St. W.

Steph Curry’s favourite taco spot

NBA star Steph Curry swung by Silent H after the Warriors-Raptors game, rocking the “guest chef” vibe while enjoying tacos and margaritas with his crew. 461 King St. W.

6 brand new indie Toronto cafés you can’t miss now that Starbucks has shut 13 locations

By

Nisean Lorde

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2:46 pm

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nathan dumlao 71u2fOofI U unsplash — Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash

Starbucks recently closed 13 locations in Toronto as part of a larger restructuring process, affecting neighbourhoods like Yorkville, West Queen West, Fort York, Danforth East, Liberty Village and the Entertainment District. The closures have left many looking for local alternatives for a cup of joe. Here are six new cafés worth visiting for your next caffeine run!

1. Ratelier

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This cool new space just opened on Trinity Bellwoods Lane, behind Le Labo at Queen W and Crawford. It’s part coffee bar, part sensorial playground: A large photo studio, a curated gallery and a specialty coffee bar! If you’re an artistic person, keep an eye on their perfume-making workshops, where you can turn your stories into scents. 9 Trinity Park Lane.

2. Caphelia

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This is a hidden nook nestled on a side street off Yonge, near Wellesley. Expect Vietnamese-inspired drinks, like coconut iced coffee, and a large matcha selection: Think matcha coconut with a coconut-cream milk base topped with their “matcha Ccoud,” or their popular banana pudding matcha latte, made with ceremonial grade matcha and real banana pudding! The space has a calm, pale-wood interior that is just perfect for a leisurely afternoon coffee break. 2 Irwin Avenue

3. Brandor Coffee

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Brandor’s tagline is that coffee is a “lifestyle,” and this is very apparent in the company’s overall aesthetic. Expect minimalist branding, merchandise and a classic espresso lineup served from a compact counter, just steps from Union Station. Stop by for a mid-afternoon Matcha Latte (iced or hot), made with premium organic ceremonial matcha from Shizuoka, Japan (this is Brandor’s most popular item on Uber Eats). Pair it with a slice of their matcha basque cheesecake and you’ll be in heaven. 100 University Avenue, Suite 106.

4. Cafe Daon

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This cozy Korean café in the Yonge-College corridor pairs delicious lattes and espressos with popular Korean street snacks, like freshly baked fish-shaped Bungeoppang pastries and Strawberry Matcha Bingsu (the perfect balance of fresh strawberries and rich matcha). Their Bingsu desserts are super popular, and are made with Korean shaved ice and sweet toppings like condensed milk, chopped fruit, mochi and sweet red beans (try it before it gets too cold out!) 475 Yonge St.

5. ESPRO Coffee Bar

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This is more of a living coffee lab than a café! ESPRO is the only coffee spot in Canada dedicated to the craft of the French press, with a bar built around its dual-filter pressware, as well as handpicked pastries from local bakeries. Their brew menu is all about immersion methods: Try a mod bar-powered espresso tonic, latte, or Americano, engineered for focus and flow (of course), and pair it with a Danish-inspired ESPRO bun. The café is located in the Beaches, just steps from the boardwalk. 2102 Queen St E.

6. Ivy Coffee Shop

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Head to Ivy on Queens Quay for waterfront views paired with lattes, French pastries and gelato. Order ahead via Ivy’s app, then take your flat white outside for a pier-side sip! It’s also the perfect spot for a caffeine jolt before a Harbourfront Centre show or a ferry run. Open until 7 pm each day. 109 Queens Quay W.

Dinner, drinks and drag are about to take over this new retro diner on Queen West

By

Jennifer Schembri

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12:25 pm

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Toronto’s West Queen West will soon get louder, livelier and a lot more retro. Cassette, a new restaurant and performance venue, opens October 25 at 1214 Queen Street W., taking over the former Melody Bar space inside the iconic Gladstone House.

The space is designed to feel intimate and stylish, blending nods to classic diners and cocktail bars with a modern edge, featuring layered lighting, cozy booths, communal tables and a raised stage for everything from karaoke to intimate live performances.

“We wanted to create a space where you feel immediately welcome, whether you’re popping in for a casual martini, a celebratory dinner or sticking around for a dance party,” says Alicia Too, regional general manager of Gladstone House & The Broadview Hotel.

Cassette isn’t just about the room, it’s about the people who fill it. “We want Cassette to be a home base for creative expression,” adds Shivani Lakhanpal, chief operating officer, Archive Hospitality Group. “You can come for dinner and stay for the show, or stumble onto something totally unexpected just by showing up.”

The menu is sure to satisfy even the most pickist of eaters. Highlights include the iconic Gladstone burger, a playful take on Pigs in a Blanket and pan-fried trout finished with herb oil. Each dish is built to feel familiar yet fresh, pairing comfort with a modern twist.

The drinks program is equally ambitious. A dedicated martini section includes the dirtiest martini in the neighbourhood, while inventive house cocktails and a wine list spotlighting under-the-radar varietals round out the menu. Cassette also offers Happy Hour, Industry Nights and themed events will provide a dash of unpredictability.

Live programming will also be a main attraction. Guests can catch concerts and cultural events, with a monthly Dinner & Drag Show residency featuring Toronto icon Tynomi Banks. Cassette’s calendar also includes recurring and one-off events that celebrate local talent and community connection.

Cassette will be open seven days a week, with dinner service from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a late-night snack menu running until close.

For more information, visit www.cassetteto.com.

Air Canada just dropped its longlist of best new restaurants and only five are from Toronto

By

Jennifer Schembri

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10:25 am

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snapins ai 3669327921764950136 — @akin.toronto/Instagram

Toronto just wrapped Michelin season, but there’s no rest for the hungry. Air Canada has dropped its annual Best New Restaurants list, spotlighting 31 finalists shaping the way Canadians eat right now. This year’s long list is stacked with fresh talent from coast to coast — and Toronto secured five spots out of 31. It’s a solid showing, but with heavy representation from Montreal and Vancouver, it’s clear the country’s dining scene is as competitive as ever.

Toronto’s five picks include Linny’s, the latest project from chef David Schwartz; Maven, a modern take on Jewish eats; General Public, the buzzy new spot from restaurateur Jenn Agg; Yan Dining Room, Eva Chin’s micro restaurant serving up neo-Chinese cuisine; and Akin, fresh off its Michelin star win, where chef Eric Chong runs an elegant blind tasting menu rooted in Chinese flavours.

Chinese restaurants — @yandiningroom/Instagram

That’s it. Five. For context, Montreal scored a whopping nine spots on the list (Limbo, Pasta Pooks, Molenna, Le Violon, Rotisserie La Lune, Panacée, Sushi Nishinokaze, Bona Fide and Claire Jacques), while Vancouver earned six. Even smaller cities like Winnipeg and Victoria squeezed in multiple names.

Launched in 2002, the list has become a career-maker for chefs, shining a spotlight on Canada’s most talked about restaurant openings of the past year. A national panel of critics and culinary pros nominate, then one anonymous judge eats their way across Canada before narrowing it down. Last year, three Toronto restaurants made the top 10: Mhel, Takja BBQ House and Bar Prima.

The top 10 will be announced on November 17 at a ceremony hosted by celeb chef Chuck Hughes Until then, Toronto’s new dining spots are worth checking out

This is Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid’s go-to leather jacket and you can find it in Toronto

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Julia Mastroianni

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5:37 am

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Fall’s forecast is calling for dramatic outerwear — fitted is out, oversized and roomy is in. Our resident fashionista Jeanne Beker has selected the best leather jackets gone large for a cosy-meets-cool fashion statement this season. Worn and loved by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, the oversized leather jacket trend is the perfect way to achieve that effortless model-off-duty look right in Toronto.

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A. ’90S BLAZER

“This is a really durable, no-nonsense coat that’s very timeless and will last you forever.” TSC, $369.99, tsc.ca

B. TOTALLY TAN

“I love the patch pockets and zippers on the sleeves; this jacket has so many nice details.” Reformation, SALE $479, 87 Yorkville Ave.

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C. BELTED MOTO

“This collar is so elegant, and it’s detachable so you get two looks.” By The Namesake, $3,045, 95 Florence St.

D. ’80S STYLE

“That espresso brown is a hot colour for fall. I love the oversized lapel and just the simplicity of the two-button closure. It’s so warm and cosy.” HiSO, $1,995, hiso.ca

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E. CROPPED BIKER

“This is a great, fun, sporty little jacket. These oversized drop sleeves aren’t your usual kind for a moto.” Lamarque, $675, lamarquecollection.com

F. BETTER BOMBER

“This is a fun play on the bomber jacket with its oversized sleeves. It would look great with high-waisted pants!” Mala Boutique, $835, 2770 Dufferin St.

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G. BUTTER ME UP

“This is such a beautiful jacket in a rich colour, and the floral lining is really pretty.” Ellie Mae, SALE $1,000, elliemaestudios.com

H. FAUX SHERPA

“This is a great little jacket. It looks nice and cosy, and I love the simple styling with this faux shearling.” Parpar Boutique, $185, 1569 Bayview Ave.

Men’s vintage edit

I. OLD SCHOOL COOL

“This is beautiful vintage Ralph Lauren, such a nice colour and simple styling.” I Miss You Man, $425, 63-E Ossington Ave.

J. RACING JACKET

“If you really want to make a flashy fashion statement, this is the one for you!” Throwback Vault, SALE $169, 550 Queen St. W.

For Jeanne Beker’s early fall shoe picks, click here.