Here today, gone tomorrow: m:brgr closes its doors

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11:57 am

When Montreal export m:brgr set up shop on King Street earlier this year, owner Jeff Dichter wasn’t too worried about the heap of competition nearby (nowhere else offers a $100 burger, after all). But the restaurant’s Toronto location has apparently bit the dust. Food blog It All Starts With Butter reported its closure today, and although we were unable to get a hold of Dichter immediately, m:brgr wasn’t open for service today and its Toronto phone line appears disconnected.

M:brgr’s concept was certainly interesting. It offered a wide selection of toppings ranging from the standard (hot peppers) to the gourmet (truffle carpaccio), along with a slew of meat choices like AAA, organic, Kobe and tuna. Then of course, there was the PR tactic known as the $100 burger.

Is there a lesson to be learned here? Maybe it’s not so easy to jump onto a food craze at its peak. And maybe it’s not so easy for an out-of-towner to break into the Toronto market. Unless, of course, you’re from New York.

[It All Starts With Butter]

Local retailer Preloved launching an exclusive collection for Holt Renfrew

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2:19 pm

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When Holt Renfrew held a preview of its fall 2011 collection early last week, among the big announcements replete with internationally familiar names (Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Rachel Zoe), there was a unique — and local — standout: the exciting collaboration between Preloved and Holts. The Toronto-based eco-friendly clothing line is teaming up with Canada’s leading specialty retailer in a one-of-a-kind partnership that will surely endear itself to fashionistas with a conscience.

This isn’t the first time that the two stores have worked together — Holts having previously created pop-up boutiques for the vintage up-cycled label in its stores. However, this is the first wholly original line that Preloved has created exclusively for the luxury retail giant. The alliance came from a “mutual respect for one another,” CEO and Preloved founder Julia Grieve tells us.

The exclusive eight-piece collection includes everything from this fall’s to-die-for shorts to oversized cardigans and woolen dresses, all created from sustainable clothing but with a fashion forwardness that will appeal to both the Queen Street crowd and the uptown Holts clientele. As Grieve says, “Sustainability is our philosophy, but our passion has always been design. We have always had a ‘design first’ approach to our clothing, and this collection is really no different.”

The long Miss Ellie sweater and the Zazie with leather from the Preloved for Holt Renfrew collection

When asked if there is another collection with Holts in the works, Grieve is coy, but she does offer that the new venture is an indicator of future collaborations for Preloved. “Collaborations are an amazing way to join forces and create great buzz. [It] always helps keep creativity and excitement up for both sides,” says Grieve.

The Preloved for Holt Renfrew clothing line will be sold exclusively at Holt Renfrew starting July 2011. Grieve’s favourite piece? The Zazie with leather: “a classic piece that you won’t want to take off.”

Preloved, 881 Queen St. W., 416-504-8704
Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333

Americans officially embrace medium rare pork; Toronto wallows in overcooked pork

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1:36 pm

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Toronto loves pork. So why do we have to eat it overcooked all the time? The USDA announced today that it’s safe to cook pork medium rare, or 145 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s quite a dramatic shift from the well-done 160 degrees previously preached by the organization and currently required by Toronto Public Health.

Apparently, the new USDA recommendation is the result of recent advances in food safety and the increased nutritional content of today’s pork (most pork has become 16 per cent leaner over the past 20 years, according to the National Pork Board). But Jim Chan, manager of food safety for Toronto Public Health, maintains that cooking pork under 160 degrees won’t guarantee that all of the potential pathogens and parasites in the meat, like trichinosis, are killed.

Keith Froggett, executive chef at Scaramouche, says that government agencies can be a little strict with their regulations – and understandably so. “They err on the side of safety,” he says. Still, he admits that cooking pork well-done can dry and shrink the meat.

So will the USDA’s new recommendation affect Toronto Public Health at all? Probably not, Chan says. The agency comes up with its own guidelines through independent research. Deliciously cooked pork, it seems, will be left to rogue chefs (at least for now).

Canada’s largest indie and vintage clothing show is going down in T.O. this Friday and Saturday

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10:12 am

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For Toronto clotheshorses that prefer distancing themselves from mass-market reproductions and big label brands, The Clothing Show is your next destination. Indie clothing designers and vintage pickers are converging at Exhibition Place from May 27-29 to represent local flair. For the 34th year of the event, more than 300 booths filled with loads of stylish merch will be under one roof, creating a fashionista’s paradise.

On the clothing side, be on the lookout for familiar names like Bicyclette Boutique, Maudlin & Joy, Paper People Clothing and Adrienne Butikofer. For die-hard vintage lovers, be sure to check out Better Stay Together, Lost + Found and You Lucky Bird. And for those on the quirkier side, you might dig scarfparty (for interesting scarves) and the aptly named Weirdorama (for vintage disco finds).

After you’ve shopped your pretty little heart out, you may want to stick around and grab a front seat at the catwalk: designers will be putting on regular fashion shows throughout the weekend. There’s also a photography contest for budding fashion photographers, and though it’s unlikely you’d be leaving empty-handed anyway, the show provides every visitor with a re-usable bag filled with product samples.

Adult tickets are a sweet $8 in advance online or $10 at the door.

The Clothing Show, Exhibition Place, May 27-29

Greg Couillard is taking over Burger Bar’s kitchen for tonight only. Expect tacos, craziness

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8:39 am

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If last week’s Twitter rumour that Greg Couillard might be making a Toronto comeback was an unbearable tease, brief satiety will be found tonight at Kensington Market’s Burger Bar, when the veteran chef takes over the kitchen to offer up some of the fare he’s been cooking at Chili Bang Bar in Mexico.

On offer will be some spot prawn and jicama tacos, Couillard’s award winning chili and a selection of Mexican tapas. Meanwhile, Burger Bar’s owner, Brock Shepherd, will be mixing up cocktails like blackberry mojitos, Clase Azul margaritas and more (this would also probably be a good time to check out Shepherd’s Augusta Ale if you haven’t already).

Reservations will be limited to keep the door open for drop-ins, and if it’s a full house, it’s not like Kensington Market is lacking in other Mexican and Latin-inspired dining options anyway.

Burger Bar, 319 Augusta Avenue, 416-922-7423

T.O. Sales Roundup: deals for Victoria Day weekend

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3:12 pm

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This long weekend marks Victoria Day, and that usually kicks off the start of summer (symbolically at least). But with the recent dreary weather, it sure doesn’t feel like warmer days are coming anytime soon. Don’t let the wet weather dampen your plans, though — or your wardrobe. Whether you’re going to a barbecue, enjoying a picnic or planning a trip to the cottage, you can still enjoy the extra day off in style. So before you head out for Victoria Day, make sure your style is up to date.

Lipgloss & Black

This Toronto indie online boutique has tons of amazingly chic handmade designs. We like this toile de jouy skirt for a barbecue or a picnic. It’s on sale for $25.
www.lipglossandblack.com

Urban Outfitters

Leave those flip flops behind and grab yourself a pair of strappy sandals, like these Cooperative espadrille wedges. Added bonus? The slight wedge makes sure your legs look nice and lean. On sale for $20.
Various locations; check website for your closest store

Sporting Life

Just in case there is a ray of hope that we’ll have some sunshine this weekend, you might want to pick up this super cute Lacoste ladies’ tie back hat, on sale for $50.
2665 Yonge Street, 416-485-1611

Sunglass Hut

Be fashion-forward without being fad-ish with these slight cat eye glasses by Persol. They’re on sale for $215.
Various locations; check website for your closest store

Roots Canada

If you’re headed up to the cottage, chances are it’s going to be chilly. Throw on this cozy vintage fleece boxy crew for both comfort and style. On sale for $50.
Various locations, check website for your closest store

How to prepare for a zombie invasion, Toronto style

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2:45 pm

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As if the impending apocalypse wasn’t enough to worry about, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a zombie survival guide. Apparently, it’s never too early to start preparing for an onslaught of ravenous, disease-infested, lusting-after-your-brains walking dead. Here’s a list of the essentials required to survive a night of the living dead, and where to find them in Toronto.

Braaaains

Considered a delicacy in zombie culture, these will be a hot commodity in the event of a zombie infestation. It’s always a good idea to have some spare brains to distract and divert the infected, giving you a chance to make a quick getaway. Lamb brains and pork brains are available at The Healthy Butcher, and it’s all organic too, so you can chew on that while you’re (hopefully) not getting chewed on.
The Healthy Butcher, 565 Queen St. W, 416-674-2642 x 1

Armour

When a zombie sees you, it’s really just seeing a juicy hunk of meat — so protect your body. Badlands Paintball has all the gear you’ll ever need to guard yourself from even the hungriest of zombies. With helmets, knee pads, neck guards and chest armour, Badlands has you covered (so to speak). Our favourite is this JT Carnivore full coverage helmet ($53.99). You can even pick up some guns while you’re at it, because zombies hate paintball. Or something.
Badlands Paintball, 1170 Sheppard Ave W., 416-630-5583

Camouflage

The ultimate disguise is sure to get you past a horde of the undead. Zombies don’t seem to eat their own kind, so blending in could be the key to survival. Check out Malabar Limited. They’ve got everything from makeup to rags to fake blood, but you’ll have to work on the moaning part yourself. Get in some practice at the Toronto Zombie Walk. Our undead picks? This Mehron coagulated blood kit ($6.50) and this realistic Woochie EX-FX open wound kit ($17)
Malabar, 14 McCaul St., 416-598-2581

Cardio

As we were taught in Zombieland, everyone knows that the fatties will be the first to get eaten, so it’s important to stay in shape. The Toronto Running Club hosts a weekly run every Wednesday night of the year at the North Toronto Community Centre. Stay in shape, and you’ll stay alive ($45 for a one year membership).
The Toronto Running Club, North Toronto Community Centre, 200 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-497-1221

Weapons

The only way to kill a zombie is to go for its brain (how ironic), or to sever its head. The key to having an efficient weapon is to not over-do it. Things you can find around the house are the way to go. Our weapon of choice? This Yardworks fiberglass L-handle garden shovel ($26.99) available at any Canadian Tire.
Canadian Tire, see website for store locations.

Muscle Masala brings a protein-packed, meal-on-the-go cookie to T.O.'s coffee shops

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11:54 am

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What happens when you mix a career in personal training with a love of Indian cooking? In Marshall Tully’s case, you get Muscle Masala, a nutritionally complete cookie packed with protein — 20 grams, to be exact — and punctuated with spices like cardamom, saffron and ginger. Tully recently started selling the preservative-free treat at a handful of coffee shops around the city, including Dark Horse Espresso Bar and Thor Espresso Bar.

The personal trainer-slash-chef spent years perfecting his recipe for a health-conscious meal-on-the-go. His first attempts resulted in what he describes as expensive dog treats. Tully knew he had gotten it right when he got good reviews from some high-profile clients at TIFF last year.

The cookies currently come in two flavours: chocolate cherry cardamom and vanilla fig saffron. The fresh, mostly-organic ingredients include almond meal, whey protein, cottage cheese, coconut and unsweetened apple sauce. A box of 12 costs $29, plus $15 for shipping, or, shell out $3.70 for one at Dark Horse. In total, Tully says it’s about the equivalent of what you would expect to pay for store-bought protein bars.

With plans for a full website launch soon, Tully’s already taking orders by phone and email.

Muscle Masala, 416-703-3682

The Drake Hotel to host a series of seasonally changing pop-up restaurants. First stop: high school!

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3:06 pm

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Move over Antiques Roadshow: there’s a new “tour” in town, and this one promises to be much tastier. The Drake Hotel has announced its Dining Roadshow, a "restaurant within a restaurant" concept that will see the dining room space changing seasonally in menu, theme, and decor. Executive chef Anthony Rose intends to create stylized menus that highlight the intrinsic attitude of each of The Drake’s restaurant incarnations.

The first pop-up will be summer school dining hall-themed, and it’ll run from June 23 to September 4. This resto will be just like high school cafeterias of yore, except with better food (hopefully). Some highlights from that menu include tomato alphabet soup made with Cookstown Greens tomatoes ($9) and pork and beans sliced to order ($26). The decor will feature communal tables reconstructed from bowling alley lanes, and in the place of a standard vending machine will be an Enomatic wine dispenser. The “teacher’s lounge” will feature a variety of original and kitschy cocktails.

Stop two will coincide nicely with TIFF, as The Drake conjures up L.A.’s Chinatown in the 1940s. Running from September 8 to November 19, this space promises to showcase such Chinese-inspired dishes as firecracker maple shrimp and oxtail wontons. Decor will include Chinese lanterns and customized fortunes.

Specifics on the final leg of the “tour” haven’t been announced yet, but it’ll begin sometime near the end of November, so expect a holiday themed menu and atmosphere. The Dining Roadshow will be open Tuesday through Saturday. First seatings begin at 6 p.m. and the last are at 10:45 p.m. Reservations recommended.

The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West, 416.531.5042 (ext 1 for reservations)

Dutil Denim opens on Queen West as Toronto's latest destination for jeans

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1:32 pm

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After five years of serving the denim-loving public exclusively in Vancouver, Dutil Denim finally opened its second store last week in Toronto. The store is the latest in a string of out-of-province labels that are feeling the love on Queen Street West. “We feel very welcomed in a city that feels like our big brother,” says co-owner Eric Dickstein. “People are continuously coming in and letting us know how excited they are that we’re here.”

Having formed Dutil into an influential destination for premium denim in North America, Dickstein says he and co-owner Darrin Kenigsberg love denim for its “durability, diversity, and timelessness,” as well as for “its ability to cross every social economic class in the world.” And they’ve definitely addressed the Toronto consumer (whom Dickstein calls “dressy”) when planning the store’s opening.

The cooler and drier climate of our city factors into the selection of denim washes and weights, but for the most part, the styles are the same as they are at the Vancouver counterpart. When it comes to popular styles this season, it seems like anything goes: from distressed jeans, like those from Denham and PRPS, to the clean and raw look, like the skinny jean from Dutil’s own Quintessential Series.

As for why jean lovers should choose their store, Dickstein says it all comes down to the denim’s “aesthetic, fit, quality and truthfulness.”

Dutil Denim, 704 Queen Street West, 647-352-2560

McDonald’s rolls out free Wi-Fi across Canada; free smiles remain the best perk

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1:03 pm

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We never thought we’d be able to think of another reason to spend inordinate amounts of time hanging out at McDonald’s, but now the fast food giant is rolling out free Wi-Fi at its Canadian locations. Apparently, more than 90 per cent of McDonald’s across the country will be equipped with the service by the end of May.

The best part? No purchase necessary, meaning McDonald’s is quickly becoming a freeloader’s mecca, what with the free buttermilk biscuits, coffee and, of course, smiles.

Still, all of this can only mean one thing for Toronto: MacBooks are about to get a whole lot greasier.

[Financial Post]

First The Warlock, now Wolverine: Hugh Jackman headed to T.O.

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12:21 pm

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The multi-talented Hugh Jackman is coming to Toronto this July to perform “Hugh Jackman in Concert,” his latest song-and-dance gig. The show, backed by an 18-piece orchestra, begins July 5, following an impressive sold-out premiere in San Francisco.

In a statement released Wednesday, Jackman said the show will feature some of his favourite songs that reflect his life and acting career, a career that ranges from the X-Men series to the Broadway version of The Boy From Oz, which snagged him a Tony award in 2004.

“I’ve always loved performing live on stage,” Jackman said in the release. “Toronto was where I shot my first American film, X-Men, and has great memories for me for lots of reasons.”

Jackson takes the stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre from July 5 – 17. Tickets go on sale at the Princess of Wales box office May 28 and range from $49 – $130.

And while it may not be as weird as having a tiger blood-imbued warlock come to town, we have a feeling that the content of Jackman’s show will be slightly better.

Hugh Jackman in Concert, Princess of Wales Theatre, July 5-17