4 food-meets-fashion crossovers in Toronto worth knowing about

10:52 am

296238648_1051546582029665_7115790104474878823_n — Matty Matheson on Instagram

Toronto’s dining scene is serving up more than just delicious cuisine these days. Some of the city’s most popular chefs and eateries are stepping into the fashion world, launching everything from athleisure collections to designer-made restaurant uniforms. Here are some buzzworthy food-fashion mash-ups worth knowing about.

United Bakers drops athleisure

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This iconic dairy restaurant has been a Toronto institution since 1912, and is known for delicious comfort food, like its signature green split pea soup. Recently, United Bakers extended this brand of comfort to its merchandise! The restaurant unveiled a leisurewear line created with local beachwear brand Bather, and guided by fashion veteran Syd Beder (the same guy who helped bring Lululemon to Toronto, grow Roots and introduce the city to premium flannel and denim).

“We connected one day on the front steps of the restaurant, and started chatting about our merchandise — which led to Syd’s working with us to develop our comfort collection,” United Bakers said in a recent Instagram post, alongside a picture of Beder donning a pair of special edition Bather Comfort Suit sweatpants ($99, featuring an elastic waistband).

The line also includes 100 per cent cotton crewneck T-shirts ($18) emblazoned with the cheeky phrase “Call U.B. at 416-789-0519 for takeout or catering… Then call your mother, she’s worried about you,” “Peas Be Upon You” hoodies ($99.99), French Terry “Table 21” hoodies ($99.99), as well as “Since 1912” UB Dad caps ($29.99) in multiple colours. The entire collection is available on the United Bakers’ website.

Matty Matheson’s Rosa Rugosa fashion line

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Celebrity chef and restaurateur Matty Matheson is most recognized for playing restaurant mechanic Neil Fak on the critically acclaimed series The Bear, but he also runs his own Toronto-made clothing line, Rosa Rugosa. Matheson co-founded the line with designer Ray Natale to build heavy-duty, locally made workwear garments (think shirts, jackets and accessories, consisting of built-to-last, double-stitched heavyweight cotton) produced at their in-house “Factory of Roses.”

Highlights include the Dufferin Chore Jacket ($299), made from 10 oz duck canvas with branded metal buttons, and the Gwynne Zip Jacket ($219), featuring a sleek design with external and internal pockets. You can check out the full collection here.

And Matheson’s fashion footprint doesn’t stop with workwear. This summer, he co-starred with country-hip hop star Shaboozey in a Levi’s global Icons campaign, donning jeans in a Western-style cinematic ad celebrating the brand.

Nobu Toronto x Dorian Who

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When Nobu landed in Toronto, diners were treated to a blend of Japanese-inspired concepts and Canadian artisanship. But the restaurant also leaned into the city’s fashion talent, commissioning Iranian Canadian designer Dorian Rahimzadeh, the master mind behind Toronto-based slow fashion streetwear brand Dorian Who, to design its front-of-house uniforms for hosts, supervisors and bartenders.

The uniforms embody “edge, seduction and individuality,” resulting in statement pieces that combine Nobu’s modern Japanese design aesthetic with Toronto’s expressive personality (you can read more about Rahimzadeh’s line of thinking here).

Chef Masaki Saito is a couture superfan

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Chef Masaki Saito may be synonymous with Toronto’s most rarefied omakase experience (despite this year’s Michelin downgrade), but he’s also reportedly fashion-obsessed. According to a 2019 Coveteur profile, Saito once dressed head-to-toe in Gucci before switching allegiances to Louis Vuitton, and he even joked about wanting a Louis Vuitton tuna cutting board! Beyond his fashion fixation, Saito is also the subject of Still Single, a recent TIFF standout that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous chef. With talk of Saito potentially opening a new high-end restaurant next summer, his next chapter will likely blur the lines between culinary mastery and stylish influence.

How to see Taylor Swift’s ‘The Official Release Party of a Showgirl’ in Toronto theatres

Nisean Lorde

4:08 pm

Eras Tour Taylor Swift tickets — Eras Tour Taylor Swift (Instagram: @Taylorswift)

Taylor Swift’s new album rollout is getting the big-screen treatment! The Official Release Party of a Showgirl is an 89-minute theatrical experience tied to Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Most Swifties from across the world (including Canada) can watch the release in theatres from Oct. 3-5, 2025.

We don’t have pricing as yet, but Torontonians can grab tickets through Cineplex; they’ll be available Tuesday, Sept. 23 starting at 3 p.m. No information is out yet about what times the screenings will be and how many will be available, but the theatrical experience will only be in theatres for three days, so spots are limited.

As part of the programming, audiences will get to see the world premiere music video for the lead single, “The Fate of Ophelia,” along with behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, brand new lyric videos and never-before-seen personal reflections on songs from the new album.

While it’s normally discouraged during traditional showtimes, fans are welcome to sing and dance within reason during the showing!

“Looks like it’s time to brush off that Eras Tour outfit or orange cardigan…” Swift said in a recent Instagram post. “Dancing is optional but very much encouraged.”

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Swift announced The Life of a Showgirl during an appearance on her fiancé Travis Kelce’s podcast, New Heights, last month, noting that the album reflects her experience on her record-breaking Eras Tour, an experience that created a sort of “showgirl” life on the road for the singer last year.

According to data from Canadian commerce provider Moneris, during the 10 days surrounding Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour performances at the Rogers Centre last November, spending in downtown Toronto increased by 45 per cent week-over-week, with a 49 per cent increase in spending at clothing stores and a 102 per cent increase for specialty and accessory stores!

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The Life of a Showgirl is Swift’s first major release since she regained control of her full catalogue. In late May, Swift announced that she had purchased the master recordings of her first six albums, which were originally sold by Scooter Braun to Shamrock Capital, bringing her entire body of work under her ownership.

The 8 most unforgivable Toronto Michelin Guide snubs of 2025

Nisean Lorde

1:49 pm

Thursday night’s Michelin Guide ceremony at the Liberty Grand shook up the city’s dining hierarchy. The headline of the evening: Restaurant Pearl Morissette was promoted to two stars, now making it the only double-starred spot in the Toronto region. Meanwhile, restaurant heavyweight Sushi Masaki Saito was quietly downgraded from two stars to one, and a handful of other popular Toronto restaurants were simply left starless.

Here are the eight snubs that stung the most.

Masaki Saito lost a star

Sushi Masaki Saito, long regarded as one of the city’s most exclusive dining experiences, was downgraded from two stars to one. The reasons behind the decision remain unclear, but the downgrade was the night’s biggest shock (the traditional Japanese omakase sushi spot was the only Canadian restaurant to hold two stars since 2022). Coincidentally, Saito is also the subject of Still Single, a recent TIFF standout that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous chef. There’s still buzz around his next chapter, with talk of Saito potentially opening a new high-end restaurant next summer.

Bar Prima

This plush, old-school Italian throwback on Queen West, from culinary director Craig Harding and executive chef Julian D’Ippolito, has brought a fresh wave of flavours to the city since 2023. Although Bar Prima is adored for its old-world charm, it still didn’t crack the star list. The menu takes a modern, minimal approach to Italian cuisine, focusing on handmade pasta and carefully curated mains. Guests can savour dishes like the tantalizing “Rockefeller,” featuring East Coast diver scallops and other delicious riffs on Italian-American classics.

Scaramouche

Nestled in South Hill, this skyline-viewed restaurant has been a Toronto fave for decades, with Chef Keith Froggett at the helm since the early 1980s. The modern French menu boasts creative spins on classics: try decadent scallops paired with spicy cauliflower tempura, shredded duck confit leg drizzled with foie gras jus, and peppercorn fettuccine with beef tenderloin and oyster mushrooms in a Madeira cream sauce! Today, the Guide lists Scaramouche as one of the “Best French Restaurants in Toronto,” so it’s recommended, but not starred.

Bar Isabel

This College Street icon with an old-world tavern vibe has been a staple on the Toronto food scene since 2013. Its Spanish-inspired cuisine is met with a duskily lit interior, casting its shared plates (deemed “essentials”) in a moody glow. Dive into charcutería, whole fish and Spanish-inflected plates filled with Manzanilla olives, almonds, jamónes, conservas and seasonal vegetables. Bar Isabel is recommended by the Guide, but it has neither a star nor a Bib Gourmand.

DaiLo

snapins ai 3486877608548261517 — @dailo.to/Instagram

Chef Nick Liu’s French-inspired Chinese fare has garnered rave reviews since opening in 2014. Liu remixes Chinese-Canadian classics by combining different textures and flavours for a modern interpretation, offering dishes like smoked trout pomelo betel leaf with coconut caramel dressing, Hakka brown wontons topped with toasted sesame oil, and crispy octopus tacos with sambal aioli in a jicama shell. Still, not even a decade-plus of city-defining creativity was enough to secure DaiLo a star.

Barberian’s Steak House

This 1959-era, charcoal-grilled steakhouse offers huge servings. Savour steaks dry-aged in-house, jumbo shrimp cocktails, a trio of giant prawns in a coupe with house sauce and swanky chateaubriand pour deux, gussied up in wine sauce. Although Barberian’s didn’t receive a star, it was most recently listed among Canada’s 100 Best restaurants.

Dreyfus

snapins ai 2994882412173702911 — Lamb from @dreyfustoronto/Instagram

This cozy French bistro, tucked into the first floor of a chic Victorian townhouse, offers an ever-changing menu that focuses on simple, well-executed French fare, with nods to Chef Zachary Kolomeir’s Jewish heritage! Standouts include baked oysters with smoked eel and Parmesan, mini-Cubano sandwiches with pickles, as well as their large selection of natural wines. Most ingredients come from local farms, fisheries and small producers. Although unstarred, Dreyfus is listed as one of the Guide’s “Best French Restaurants in Toronto.”

Richmond Station

This casual tavern-inspired space, founded by Top Chef Canada winner Carl Heinrich, offers a pantry menu with seasonal faves. Think charcuterie plates with locally sourced meat and house-made preserves, pate en croûte and lamb tartare. Richmond Station is also one of the top restaurants to visit in the city if you love chocolate! With a fresh and creative farm-to-table menu, patrons have been wondering why this restaurant hasn’t received any recognition since the Michelin Guide’s original Toronto launch.

The best places to see the fall colours in Ontario

Christine Hogg

1:31 pm

Fall is officially here, and with the arrival of Canada’s most colourful season comes plenty of opportunities to bask in the reds, yellows and golds of our beautiful forests before winter hits. Toronto is bursting with autumnal photo ops — but if you want to enjoy a nature escape this season, check out these 10 incredible spots for viewing the fall colours in Ontario.

Algonquin Provincial Park

algonquin park — Courtesy Suraj Raina/Pexels

Larger than the entire province of Prince Edward Island, Algonquin Provincial Park is home to more than 5,000 square kilometres of forested land. Once autumn comes, the park’s tree line comes ablaze with fiery red, gold and copper foliage as far as the eye can see. There are a handful of campgrounds within the park still open through the end of October, making this the ultimate overnight leaf-peeping adventure.

Rattlesnake Point

Located in Milton, a short drive from Toronto, Rattlesnake Point is a conservation park that sits high up on the Niagara Escarpment. It features several breathtaking lookout points that provide postcard-worthy views of the Halton Region countryside, as well as the surrounding woods and cliff sides. While reservations aren’t required, reserving a spot online in advance will save you some money on gate fees.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train

agawa canyon train — Courtesy @sault.ste.marie/@ontariotravel, Instagram

With tours running until Oct. 19, there’s no better way to see Northern Ontario’s foliage than aboard the Agawa train. Departing from downtown Sault Ste. Marie, this one-day excursion covers 114 miles north, where you’ll adventure through the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield.

Dorset Fire Tower

Built in 1922 to serve as a lookout tower to observe forest fires, the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is one of Muskoka’s top tourist attractions, especially in the fall time. Originally built of wood, in 1967 the tower was replaced by a 100-foot steel tower, which features a small enclosed observation deck offering stunning panoramic views of Lake of Bays. In order to marvel at the view, you’ll need to climb the 132 see-through steps first — just don’t look down! Make sure to book advance tickets to see the fall colours online.`

Dundas Peak

Part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Dundas Peak is one of the most popular stops along the trail in the fall time. The Dundas Peak Lookout offers spectacular views of the gorge below, as well as the surrounding forest. Two cascading waterfalls, Webster Falls and Tew Falls, can also be found here.

Island Lake Conservation Area

Home to a leisurely boardwalk and 820 acres of lakes, wetlands and forests, Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville is a scenic spot to enjoy casual fall leaf viewing. Grab a coffee and go for a walk down one of the paved trails, or rent a canoe to enjoy the beautiful colours from the water.

Cheltenham Badlands

One of Southern Ontario’s most famous natural landmarks, the Cheltenham Badlands are a natural wonder that formed nearly 450 million years ago. Snap a photo of the leaves against the martian-like terrain before continuing on your hike of the nearby Bruce Trail.

East Bluff Lookout – Manitoulin Island

For a charming day trip or weekend getaway this fall, head to Manitoulin Island. Less crowded than Algonquin Park this time of year, the destination has several trails like the Cup and Saucer that offer panoramic lookouts from high limestone cliffs that show off the forests and farmlands below.

Killarney Provincial Park

Processed with VSCO — Courtesy Mrspaceweb/Wikimedia Commons

With 80 kilometres of natural hiking trails and more than 50 sapphire-coloured lakes tucked between the forests, Killarney Provincial Park’s dramatic landscapes have inspired many artists, including the Group of Seven. Here, the autumn months are truly breathtaking. With yurt accommodations available year round, you can choose to spend the day exploring, or camp overnight.

Thousand Islands region

fall colours — Courtesy visit1000islands.com

Framed by more than 1,800 individual islands, this region on the St. Lawrence River and Eastern Lake Ontario combines beautiful scenery and small town charm. Take in the fall colours from the water via a boat cruise, or take a drive down the Thousand Islands Parkway to marvel at the fiery maples, oaks and birch trees against the beautiful blue backdrop of the river.

After a fire, a Michelin chef returns with a new Queen West restaurant

Megan Gallant

11:48 am

snapins ai 3480218837473320626 — @velatoronto/Instagram

After years spent in kitchens in Europe and Asia and Toronto’s Vela, chef Marvin Palomo will be bringing his global experience and passion to a new restaurant opening on September 26. A meaningful project for him in more ways than one, Liliana will serve Italian cuisine with Asian influences in a cozy nook on Queen Street West.

The opening comes several months after a devastating fire forced the temporary closure of Vela — a Michelin-recommended King West venue where Chef Palomo was chef and partner — just days after what he describes as a “magical” night welcoming the new year.

snapins ai 3549855269838660310 — @marvinpalomo_/Instagram

When the opportunity arose to open his own restaurant, Palomo seized it — and brought along the “close and dedicated” team that worked with him at Vela.

The new restaurant’s name honours a late chef who mentored Palomo while he was studying in Piedmont, Italy and working in an acclaimed restaurant.

“It’s almost a full-circle moment because I’m paying homage to where it all started for me,” Palomo says. “She was a very big part of shaping my cooking career in terms of not just cooking, but in terms of hospitality.”

Palomo is also honouring his time working in Hong Kong by incorporating Asian influences into the menu, even though it remains rooted in traditional Italian structure. A signature dish is his aglio e olio spaghetti, reimagined with Asian chilli crisp and confit garlic. However, Palomo emphasises that it’s not fusion cuisine so much as a creative touch that adds new life to classic dishes.

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“I don’t think our food is fusion whatsoever,” he says. “We’re just finding ingredients that complement these traditional methods of cooking.”

Palomo says to expect these dishes paired with Italian wines and signature cocktails featuring bold flavours like jasmine and black sesame.

All of this can be enjoyed in an intimate 30-seat space with a “classy vintage” aesthetic full of charm and character. Think warehouse windows, a 1950s vintage bar back, exposed brick walls, and restroom sinks that were once park water fountains.

As a neighbourhood restaurant, Palomo says the goal for Liliana is rooted in prioritizing how people feel when they enter.

“Our biggest thing was making sure people feel seen, and making sure people have a great time.”

Liliana will open at 1198 Queen Street West on September 26.

These 5 Ontario towns are perfect for a fall weekend getaway

Nisean Lorde

12:29 pm

Stratford one of the best small towns to visit in the fall — Stratford (Instagram @visitstratfordon)

We are just at the start of fall, and the promise of cool, comfortable weather makes it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities while admiring the vibrant colours of autumn foliage! There is no better area to explore than Ontario — the province is filled with picturesque small towns that are worthy of a weekend visit. Here are a few Ontario towns that are perfect for a weekend getaway this autumn season:

Elora

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For theatre lovers, on the north bank of the Grand in neighbouring downtown Fergus sits the restored Fergus Grand Theatre — patrons will enjoy captivating performances featuring the best of Canadian talent. Explore Elora’s downtown core to check out its quaint shops and charming restaurants, like The Friendly Society and Sheppard’s Pub. End your weekend by strolling along the riverbanks and be exposed to the beauty of the town’s 19th-century limestone architecture. For a place to stay, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It sits perched atop the Gorge and provides stunning panoramic views (and guests will also get to unwind in one of the best spas in Ontario).

Creemore

This quaint little town is nestled in the beautiful Niagara Escarpment among rolling hills of farms, making it the perfect place to celebrate rural Ontario living! It’s about 2 hours from Toronto, and well worth a weekend trip this fall. Craft beer lovers will adore the Creemore Springs Brewery, where you can take a guided tour of the brewery to learn more about their brewing process — everything from ingredient selection to fermentation and bottling. Of course, guests will get a chance to sample the brewery’s range of craft beers and purchase some freshly brewed beverages to take home. Then, wander over to the Creemore jail — it was built in 1892, and at 4.5 x 6 meters, it is the smallest three-cell jail structure in all of North America! Thankfully, no bad guys will be present as it became a tourist attraction in the 1960s (and the jail is free to visit and go inside). Afterward, check out the town’s delicious eats, like the Bank Café (which is said to have the best carrot cake ever), Chez Michel Restaurant for fine French dining, and YF Patissier Chocolatier for delicious treats! Also make sure to check out The Pine — a one-star, high-quality restaurant listed in the 2024 Michelin Guide. Headed by husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Cassie Austin, the prix-fixe menu showcases local ingredients (primarily sourced from Cassie’s parents’ farm) alongside a curated selection of Ontario wines.

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St. Jacobs

This charming village is located in the township of Woolwich, north of Waterloo (along the Conestoga River), about a 2-hour drive from Toronto. It’s a prime tourist attraction due to its quaint village appearance and Mennonite heritage. Rent a bicycle to explore the historic town (it is filled with bike-friendly establishments). Head to the Health Valley Trail (the old Conestogo River Trail between St. Jacobs and Conestogo) and you’ll stumble upon the Wise Old Oak tree and wander through farm pasture. Art lovers will enjoy the St. Jacobs Art Walk (a self-guided tour of St. Jacobs Village’s gorgeous art pieces) before joining the guided St. Jacobs Walking Tour, where you’ll take a stroll through historic St. Jacobs. The Waterloo Central Railway is a heritage railway offering historic passenger train rides on the Waterloo Spur. Before you end your weekend visit, check out the St. Jacobs Farmers Market for locally produced food, art, and collectibles, before visiting The Mennonite Story Interpretive Centre — a multimedia facility that explores the history, culture, and religion of Mennonites here and around the world!

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Niagara-on-the-Lake

This southern Ontario town is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and is particularly popular during the summer season due to its wineries and the summer Shaw Festival — but it’s also an awesome place to visit in the fall! Start your trip off right by staying at a vintage hotel, like the Prince of Wales or the Olde Angel Inn, or perhaps get cozy at a charming Bed & Breakfast. Get in the Halloween spirit by embarking on a spooky ghost walk tour before exploring the mysterious secrets of the old Fort George National Historic Site overlooking the Niagara River — this site was built in the late 18^th to early 19^th century, and served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army during the War of 1812 (it’s also said to be haunted, so enter if you dare). Discover more about the town’s captivating history at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, where you’ll hear fascinating tales and legends exploring the tapestry of the community. Of course, there’ll still be many wineries to visit hosting wine tastings alongside other prolific activities. Check out Konzelmann Winery’s Wine Tasting and Paint Experience for a unique two-in-one experience combining wine tasting with a guided painting session. Niagara-on-the-Lake also has a huge selection of dining experiences, everything from romantic fine dining at HobNob at The Charles to iconic pub food at the Irish Harp Pub (voted the number 1 pub in the Niagara region).

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Stratford

This charming city is nestled on the Avon River in southwest Ontario, about 2.5 hours from Toronto. It’s known for the iconic Stratford Festival, which stages modern and Shakespearean plays across multiple theatres — but it offers much more! Take a leisurely stroll throughout the town’s prizewinning Shakespearean Gardens along the Avon River, where you can revel in the beautiful landscapes and enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage. Chocolate lovers can indulge in sweet treats while exploring the quaint town via Stratford’s Chocolate Trail. This self-guided tour will allow you to explore world-famous confectioners and bakers. A weekend visit isn’t complete without sampling local craft beers. Stratford’s Bacon & Ale Trail is a self-guided tour that introduces patrons to the best of the town’s (and surrounding towns’) pork and brewing history. Bacon and beer lovers can sample from sites like the Best Little Pork Shoppe in Shakespeare and Broken Rail Brewing in the iconic St. Marys Junction Railway Station. For the best seasonal produce, visit the Stratford Farmers Market on Saturdays. If you’re looking for something a bit spookier throughout the Halloween season, the town offers traditional ghost tours that show off the darker history of Stratford. You’ll visit historic places like the haunted Avon Theatre & Queen’s Inn, but prepare to be terrified by darker stories of murder, headless bodies, and the infamous theatre curse!

The best goat and alpaca yoga experiences in and near Toronto

Nisean Lorde

5:55 am

Research shows that engaging in yoga surrounded by goats or alpacas can reduce stress and improve mental and physical health! Yoga has been linked to increased flexibility and weight reduction while being surrounded by cute animals can ease anxiety and depression — so why not combine both in a goat/alpaca yoga class? Goats and alpacas tend to be friendly and naturally curious animals, so they’re the perfect workout companions (plus they’re so cute!).

To help you find the most perfect animal workout buddies, here are the best goat and alpaca yoga classes in and around Toronto.

Haute Goat Farm (Port Hope)

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This 200-acre farm offers goat and alpaca yin yoga experiences in a peaceful farm setting. The hour-long sessions are definitely not serious studio-style practices, as the goats move freely throughout the class and provide comic relief (you’ll likely be laughing a ton). Still, these sessions should help lower your anxiety and reduce stress. The farm is just an hour east of Toronto and well worth the drive! In addition to goat yoga, the owners offer tons of other farm experiences, like “shmurgles” (walking with goats), alpaca walks, pig cuddling, seasonal festivals, an 18-hole disc golf course, and even farm sleepover packages. Ages: 12+. 1166 5th Line, Port Hope, Ont.

Brae Ridge Alpaca and Horse Farm (near Guelph)

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Escape to this enchanting farm and immerse yourself in a truly unique yoga experience alongside alpacas, mixing traditional yoga, nature, and animal therapy! Sessions last about 75 minutes and participants are limited, so it’ll be an intimate setting. After the yoga session, participants have the chance to hand-feed the alpacas and meet other charming farm animals, like the Indian Runner Ducks and special horses. Best of all, you don’t have to be a yoga expert—many visitors have never taken a yoga class before! $50+tax/person. 7667 Maltby Rd E, Puslinch, Ont.

Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life (Bright)

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Relax and destress as a certified yoga instructor guides you through a gentle 60-minute class while the farm’s Nigerian and Pygmy goats do their best to distract you from your zen poses (fully expect the goats to give you advice on posture while standing on your back!) The class ends with a treat for you and the goats to say ‘thank you and be well’. Bonus: The farm offers an evening alpaca picnic — this two-hour dining experience takes place inside the alpaca’s pasture, overlooking an expansive sunset view. Ages: 16+. Cost: $45/person for the yoga class. About a 1.5–2-hour drive from Toronto. 906200 Township Rd 12, Bright, Ont.

Goat Your Back: Goat Yoga (Tottenham)

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This small goat hobby farm offers 1-hour goat yoga sessions that combine the ancient practice with the therapeutic and peculiar personalities of Nigerian dwarf goats! Classes are led by certified yoga instructors, so you’ll have a lot of fun in a safe environment. Ages: 13+. Yoga mat rentals: $2. Public session: $55/person. 1797 10th Side Rd, Tottenham, Ont.

Yoga Kawa (downtown Toronto/various locations)

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Although these classes don’t take place on a farm, Yoga Kawa is known as the most Instagrammable Goat Yoga class in Toronto! Practice yoga while surrounded by super cute mini goats! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo practice, an outing with friends, a romantic date idea, or a bonding activity with the fam — mini goat yoga will be the perfect experience. The 1-hour classes cater to all skill levels and are designed to leave participants feeling happy, flexible, and relaxed. The last 20 minutes of the class will allow you to socialize with the animals (cuddles, kisses, selfies, etc.). They also offer puppy yoga and kitten yoga classes. 643 Yonge St, Toronto, Ont. (as well as various locations in Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, and Hamilton).

If goats and alpacas aren’t your style, here are some other fitness classes with animals that you can check out!

Summer’s not over yet — here’s where to find Toronto’s best ice cream sandwiches

Jennifer Schembri

5:00 am

Sure, sandwiches rule the lunch hour — but after school, we’re trading turkey and cheese for cookies and cream. These ice cream sandwiches aren’t just for kids: here are the best in Toronto to sweeten up your snack game.

The Big Chill

Ice cream sammies get the retro treatment at the Big Chill. Choose from chocolate chip, peanut butter or chocolate chunk cookies, then pack them with scoops of creamy flavours, like salted caramel or peanut butter. 566 College St., $8.95

Midnight Cookie

Start with your pick of vanilla, chocolate or twist soft serve, then roll it in toppings like Oreo, Biscoff or rainbow sprinkles. All that goodness gets tucked between Midnight Cookie’s two warm, gooey cookies. 3 Manor Rd. E., $8

Bang Bang

At Ossington’s beloved Bang Bang, choose from dreamy scoops like Golden Oreo or Cinnamon Toast, then pick your “sammy” style — classic cookies, cinnamon bun or Crack’d Puff — a profiterole with a crisp craquelin top. 93A Ossington Ave., $11.50

Honey’s

Honey’s has two delectable sammy options: Go classic with cookies & cream between chocolate chip cookies, or try the strawberry crumble: gluten-free oatmeal cookies with strawberry ice cream. 1026 Queen St. E., $8.50

For cool, quirky flavours, Ruru Baked’s ice cream sammies bring the fun. The Everything Bagel scoop might raise eyebrows, but kid faves, like Monster Mash and white chocolate, are sure to be fan faves. 659 Lansdowne Ave., $10

Ed’s Real Scoop

Cookie lovers, rejoice: Ed’s ice cream sandwiches come stacked with your pick of Tortoise, chocolate chip or double chocolate cookies and a generous scoop of Ed’s dreamy ice cream. 920 Queen St. E. $8

A massive luxury marketplace filled with preloved designer finds is coming to Toronto

Julia Mastroianni

5:01 pm

Close up of different leather bags on market Modern colorful bags for sale Womanly accessories — Courtesy angelswearpreloved.com

Toronto is home to plenty of incredible consignment shops, but there’s never been anywhere to shop luxury second-hand pieces from across the city, all in one place — until now. A first-of-its-kind preloved marketplace for high-end resellers is launching in Toronto this month, and shoppers will be able to browse the very best of Canada’s resale scene in one market.

Angels Wear Preloved: The Luxury Resale Show claims to be the city’s first large-scale luxury resale shopping event, transforming The Warehouse Venue into a 13,000-square-foot curated marketplace. Whether you’re a dedicated vintage shopper, a designer handbag collector or someone who loves all things luxury, there will be something for all kinds of fashion lovers here.

Top resale vendors will each have their own booths at the show, including Toronto’s Rewind Couture Revisited, Mine & Yours, Designer Consignor Girls, 1132 Consignment and La Closette.

The event is the brainchild of Amy Polevoy, the Toronto fashion entrepreneur behind @thestyleheiress on social media. With decades of experience running an in-home boutique — where she offered appointment-only shopping experiences and helped clients access rare pieces a — Polevoy closed her boutique and explored a vision of a new way for people to connect around fashion. The result was Angels Wear Preloved.

Amy Polevoy hi res — Founder Amy Polevoy

“This isn’t a typical vintage market, it’s a curated luxury resale movement rooted in sustainability, individuality, and style legacy,” says Polevoy. “It’s about building a community where fashion lovers can connect, discover incredible pieces, and experience a heavenly energy you can’t get online.”

Toronto does already have a wealth of vintage markets for second-hand shopping lovers, including the ever-popular Hippie Market, Sunday Variety Market and upcoming Toronto Vintage Show — but this city has yet to see one devoted entirely to consignment. For style seekers for whom the thrill of thrifting is stumbling upon a designer piece among the racks of fast fashion and those who save up to score an archival find from their favourite past runway show, Angels Wear Preloved might be the perfect place.

Running from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sept. 28, attendees can get tickets ($22.63) in advance online or at the door ($25), though those will be cash only.

If you miss this one, don’t worry — Polevoy already has plans for a two-day spring edition in 2026.

Toronto’s reigning Michelin champ was just knocked from top spot

Nisean Lorde

12:40 pm

307411839_623469299231817_3419813390558117551_n — chef Saito with his students at Tachi.

Toronto’s dining scene saw a huge shake-up at Thursday night’s Michelin Guide ceremony at the Liberty Grand. The headline of the evening: Restaurant Pearl Morissette (3953 Jordan Rd., Lincoln) was promoted to two stars, now making it the Toronto region’s only double -starred destination!

This 42-acre culinary oasis, which also recently topped Canada’s Best Restaurants of 2025, 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 in Abbotsford, B.C., to seafood from both coasts.

Masaki Saito TIFF film Still Single — @sushimasakisaito/Instagram

But here’s the twist: while Restaurant Pearl Morissette now holds the region’s only two Michelin Stars, Sushi Masaki Saito (88 Avenue Rd., Toronto) — long regarded as one of the city’s most exclusive dining experiences — was quietly downgraded from Two Stars to One. The reasons behind the decision remain unclear. Coincidentally, Saito is also the subject of Still Single a recent TIFF standout that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous chef. There’s still buzz around his next chapter, with talk of Saito potentially opening a new high-end restaurant next summer.

Eric Chong

Meanwhile, aKin (51 Colborne St, Toronto) joined the Michelin family with its first One Star. Chef Eric Chong, who capped the night by taking home the Michelins Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award, serves modern Asian cuisine reimagined through innovative tasting dishes, like cheung fun, char siu bao with Iberico secreto and grilled langoustine with silver needle noodles.

The 2025 One Star list also features returning favs, like Aburi Hana, Alo, DaNico, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto, Edulis, Enigma Yorkville, Hexagon (Oakville), Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, Kappo Sato, Osteria Giulia, Quetzal, Restaurant 20 Victoria, Shoushin and The Pine.

Sustainability had a spotlight moment at the ceremony, too. Sundays (58 Brock St W, Uxbridge) earned a Green Star for its farm-to-table sourcing, seasonal menus, locally focused wine list, and commitment to training the next generation of farm workers! Sundays joined Restaurant Pearl Morissette and White Lily Diner (678 Queen St E, Toronto) as the region’s Green Star holders.

Danielle Matar RickyOlivia — Ricky + Olivia

Inspectors added six new Bib Gourmands to the Guide, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value: 7 Enoteca, Barrel Heart Brewing, Mhel, Ricky + Olivia, Sundays and The Cottage Cheese.

The Toronto region now has one Two Star restaurant, 16 One Star restaurants, three Green Stars, 26 Bib Gourmands, and 63 Recommended restaurants, totalling 106 restaurants and 31 cuisine types!

The full list of Michelin Star and Green Star restaurants, along with inspectors’ comments, is available on the Michelin Guide website and mobile app.

A Chinese restaurant made popular by Guy Fieri just opened its first Toronto location

Nisean Lorde

4:00 pm

A Vancouver-born restaurant that was made popular more than a decade ago after a memorable appearance on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has just opened its first location in Toronto. Peaceful Restaurant opened at 515 Bloor St W., in late August and specializes in Northern Chinese food, a region known for its hand-pulled noodles, bold flavours and yummy dishes that feature a balance of the seven sensory elements (sweetness, sourness, bitterness, spiciness, saltiness, heat and fragrance).

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A post shared by Peaceful Restaurant since 1998 (@thepeacefulrestaurant_official)

The original Peaceful opened in Vancouver in 1998 and now has five locations across Metro Vancouver. Its popularity skyrocketed in 2012 when Guy Fieri featured it on his hit Food Network series back in 2012 (Season 13, Episode 9, “Family Matters”).

In this episode, Fieri visits family-run restaurants, praising the “hand-pulling noodles and ages-old family recipes” used for dishes like the signature beef rolls.

The five-spiced beef roll ($12.95) remains the restaurant’s best-known appetizer and one of its most popular items! Sink your teeth into tender beef wrapped in crispy green onion flatbread with sweet hoisin sauce.

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A post shared by Peaceful Restaurant since 1998 (@thepeacefulrestaurant_official)

The Bloor location has something for every palate. Munch through their huge selection of dumplings and buns, like the Xiao-Long Bao Steamed Buns ($10.95) and boiled Northern Pork Dumplings, filled with pork, chives, cabbage and green onions ($11.95).

Dine on hand-pulled noodles like the Dan-Dan Noodles with minced pork and spinach, complemented with a spicy, tangy peanut sauce ($13.95), or the Sichuan Beef Soup Noodles, consisting of stewed beef in a dark spicy broth, spinach and cilantro ($14.95). Devour spicy dishes like the Spicy Gingered Beef, consisting of crispy shredded beef tossed in a spicy gingery sauce ($19.95) or the slightly spicy House Rice, stir-fried with diced pork, shrimp, vegetables and cilantro ($17.95).

There’s also a full vegetable-tofu menu if you aren’t into meat, as well as delicious seafood options like Spicy Salted Squid tossed in spiced salt and diced chilli pepper ($21.95) and Kung Pao Prawns stir-fried with sweet peppers, onions, peanuts and chilli peppers ($21.95).

Even if Peaceful didn’t have Fieri’s stamp of approval, it’s a satisfying spot for Torontonians who love Chinese dishes that go beyond traditional Cantonese staples!

Peaceful Restaurant is located at 515 Bloor St. W. Follow @thepeacefulrestaurant_official on Instagram for promos and giveaways.

This grown-up camp 2.5 hours outside Toronto is supposed to help heal your broken heart

Lauren DiBenedetto

3:07 pm

camp heartbreak — Courtesy @campheartbreak2025/Instagram

If your idea of healing from a breakup has surpassed ice cream in bed for a week and moved into a full blown compulsive internet stalking obsession with no way out, then Camp Heartbreak is here just in time to throw you a rope. Hidden between 160 acres of thick Canadian forest, 2.5 hours north of Toronto, stands Camp Can-Aqua. Home to thousands of life-changing childhood memories, it will now also be the birthplace of a few life-changing adulthood memories as it transforms into Camp Heartbreak, a five-day, four-night camp-style experience designed for adults finding their way through heartbreak.

Intended for those navigating their way through recent divorce, separation, difficult breakups, long lasting heartbreaks and anything in between, this experience perfectly toes the line between structured healing and pure camp fun. Marquee offerings include expert-led lectures on the science of heartbreak and resilience, group therapy sessions, creative writing workshops, nature talks, stargazing and sound baths. Just as vital, though, is the childlike joy of play: paddleboarding and sailing, canoeing and kayaking, archery, high ropes, mountain biking, pottery, woodworking, arts and crafts, karaoke, DJ dance parties and campfires under the stars. Therapy and play are given equal billing — both necessary, both healing.

Greg Chociej, the mind behind Camp Heartbreak, is actually a local Toronto performer who you may or may not recognize from a classic Toronto stage: Second City. He’s been a cherished member of the arts community for 20+ years and that theatre DNA running through his veins shaped the worldview that brought us this experience. As he puts it, “everything that we do in drama generally is team-minded, especially improv.”

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A post shared by Camp Heartbreak (@campheartbreak2025)

That instinct — to turn pain into something communal — sits at the intersection of the arts community and what Chociej has now brought to Camp Heartbreak. The seed was planted long before the program existed.

“The idea turns five January,” he says. “I’ve been circling the breakup world and this idea for I’d say like 12 to 13 years,” explains Chociej, but the crystallizing moment arrived in the pandemic’s first winter: “I read an article in early January 2021 about how the divorce rate had skyrocketed because people were stuck at home and they weren’t going out anymore and all their problems were just magnified.”

From there, he put together a business case. The most important step was finding the space. “I was looking for a very specific kind of space, radiating with positivity and good vibes — one that has that feeling of summer camp built into it. I found that right away with Can-Aqua.”

His “why” runs deeper than clever programming. Chociej lost both parents to cancer — his dad when he was 14, his mom at 19 — and he never forgot how different grief is treated depending on the cause. “You tell someone that someone has died in your life. They generally try to protect you and hug you. You tell someone you’re going through a breakup, they want to get you drunk.”

He kept noticing the fallout, how many people have unresolved issues, and how culture tends to say, “Get over it, pal.”

He wanted a different path — one he once wished existed for himself. After the grief he’d dealt with in his early adult life, Chociej experienced a breakup 15 years ago and found himself shocked to his core by how deeply it cut.

“I just want a lake, a basketball, therapy and for someone to just get me out of town for a week. I kept looking for something like that and it just wasn’t around.”

Camp Heartbreak became his answer: “I call it emotional infrastructure, the process of creating these systems.” And those systems are intentionally balanced. “If you look at our scheduling it’s basically five sessions in a day where you’ll get two rounds of group therapy in the daytime and two rounds of activities,” he says.

The proof is in the transitions: coming out of a group session “in a bit of a tough shape and then hearing them laughing their asses off like in a canoe 10 minutes later, that to me was the goal.”

Though the experience is short and sweet, the community doesn’t end at check-out. “One of our session one campers emailed me last week letting me know, ‘We all still talk on WhatsApp and we all still support each other.’ That’s what I wanted.”

For Chociej, he knew he had created the right space after the very first night’s icebreaker, where he watched pure camp magic unfold in front of his eyes. “Within 20 to 30 minutes of them meeting each other, everyone was, already laughing and singing around a campfire together.”

“I think adults lose that sense of play,” he says, which is why he keeps weaving in music, games and silliness alongside the clinical work.

Camp Heartbreak is aimed at people in many heartbreak states: recently divorced, going through a separation, just out of a relationship, considering a breakup, hung up on an ex, consciously uncoupling, ready for a mindset change — and even those “sticking pins in a little doll as a form of revenge,” which the program copy lists with a wink.

If you’re ready to give your inner child the chance to play one more time, and finally let go of an ex haunting you this haunted season, the next session runs Oct. 2–6, 2025; early-bird spots are $1,598 + tax.

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