By Ron Johnson
A new season of CBC-TV’s Great Canadian Baking Show is underway. This season, one of the new co-hosts is Alan Shane Lewis alongside Ann Pornel. For this new column, we asked Lewis to tell us the types of things he is consuming while squirrelled away in his Toronto home during the pandemic. EATING: During the … Continued
By Ron Johnson
A City of Toronto ActiveTO report proposing the return of weekend road closures and a new pilot project along Yonge Street as part of the city’s Complete Streets proposal was set to be reviewed by the Toronto City Council Infrastructure and Environment Committee on March 23. A year or more ago, the thought of sacrificing … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Back by popular demand are two of the city’s newly beloved drive-in entertainment options: CityView Drive-In and Ontario Place. Both venues have secured a stellar lineup of movies, music, shows, and creative ways to enjoy the outdoors without compromising personal space. CityView’s summertime lineup includes local DJ talent Skratch Bastid and musical artists Big Wreck, Classic … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Mas Playas, the Mexican chain of eateries known for high-end tacos and cocktails, is opening another Toronto location this time in the Yonge and Eglinton area. Playa Cabana Bar Esquina will join the Mas Playas roster that includes the original Playa Cabana in the Annex, as well as Cantina in the Junction, Barrio Coreano in … Continued
By Ron Johnson
The GTA is finally getting its own Carlo’s Bakery. Yes, the city has had its Cake Boss vending machines for a while now, but soon the first outpost in Canada will open in Port Credit. Since 1910, Carlo’s Bakery has been serving up sweet treats for Hoboken, New Jersey, and the greater New York City … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto singer-songwriter Dallas Green has had a long career in music, recording dozens of hit singles under the name City and Colour and as part of the band Alexisonfire. Now, he’s giving back to the community by teaming up with Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse in support of the Nick Nurse Foundation, an organization … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto city council will soon consider a motion to extend restaurant and bar outdoor patio bylaws that make the CafeTO program possible until spring 2022. The current temporary use bylaws will expire on May 25, 2021. The motion requests that the city council extend temporary use by-laws that allow an increase to the maximum size … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Although the federal government finally got around to doling out support for the country’s artists and culture infrastructure, support didn’t come soon enough for the long-running arts centre Dovercourt House in Toronto. Dovercourt House, a hub for the city’s dance community, was built more than a century ago as a fraternal lodge. It later evolved … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Restaurant owner Adam Skelly is back in the spotlight again, but this time it’s because of a $187,000 invoice from the City of Toronto. Skelly, the owner of Adamson Barbecue, faces this hefty sum after defying lockdown orders last November. Police were sent to the restaurant on Queen Elizabeth Boulevard over a number of days … Continued
By Ron Johnson
A new storefront from the Ascari Group at 1091 Queen St. E. will be open this spring. Ascari Mercatino e Vini will sell specialty pantry items, have an extensive and exclusive wine list, and serve food to go or to eat (pandemic-permitting) inside while sipping an espresso counter-side. Co-owner Erik Joyal describes the new spaces … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Valentine’s Day is here again, but this year things are a bit different. While you can’t book a reservation at your favourite restaurant, you can order a fantastic meal to takeout from almost any restaurant in town. Plus, you get to snuggle up with your sweetheart in comfortable clothes on what might be one of … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Every year, the City of Toronto helps promote restaurants through its Winterlicious and Summerlicious programming. This year, Winterlicious is on hold due to COVID-19 despite the devastating impact of the pandemic on Toronto restaurants. “As a result of the pandemic, Winterlicious will not be held this year. However, the city continues to examine how it … Continued
