By Ron Johnson
Today, the world lost an acting legend as it was announced that Toronto native Christopher Plummer died at the age of 91, in his home in Connecticut. Plummer was born in Toronto and grew up in Montreal. The classically trained actor made his stage debut in Ottawa in a 1948 production of Cymbeline at the … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Drake. Joni Mitchell. The Weeknd. Rush. When you think about it, Toronto actually has produced a huge amount of musical talent. But there is so much more than most people are currently unaware of, and a new online exhibit hopes to remedy that unfortunate situation by introducing people to groundbreaking talents from Jackie Shane to … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Being in a kitchen is just natural for chef Nick Liu. As the son of Hakka parents in Toronto, he grew up eating dishes that his ancestors had been preparing for hundreds of years. It’s that passion for cuisine, combined with modern flair and a western touch, that he brings to DaiLo Kitchen at 503 … Continued
By Ron Johnson
There may be more to look forward to than the weather this summer. Canadian Stage (the group behind Shakespeare in High Park) has a new proposal set to be reviewed by city council on Feb. 2 that could result in even more theatre and other outdoor artistic offering in High Park. Canadian Stage, a registered … Continued
By Ron Johnson
The city’s executive committee has approved a revised CafeTO plan set to begin this spring. The plan includes a more straightforward registration process and more outdoor space options making the process simpler for struggling restaurants. The new plan will be presented to the Toronto city council for final approval on Feb. 2. If approved, the … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto Mayor John Tory has endorsed a new plan to expand the CaféTO program in 2021. The new project will include easier ways for hospitality owners to register for the program and increase public parklet spaces and safety measures. The new plan also aims to make the application approval for setting up CaféTO installations faster. … Continued
By Ron Johnson
This week, Toronto was greeted with the news that another beloved local bar and restaurant is closing down. Sweaty Betty’s on Ossington is a COVID-19 casualty, but since the news hit a fundraising campaign has picked up speed and could save the 17-year-old institution. “With the case numbers climbing in Ontario still, I realized that … Continued
By Ron Johnson
It’s no secret that restaurant and bar owners are struggling due to the indoor and outdoor dining restrictions, but many believe a wholesale discount at the LCBO might help. Hospitality owners holding a liquor licence can currently pay more than retail buyers at the LCBO. In-restaurant dining markups on alcohol are one way that restaurant … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Popular Leaside bar and restaurant McSorley’s is going on a hiatus after 10 months of trying to cope with running a food and beverage operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a note sent to the restaurant’s mailing list via email and then posted on social media, the long-time Bayview Avenue bar noted that after 10 … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Adrian Niman knows his way around the food industry. He founded The Food Dudes 14 years ago, when he was just 22, and has spent the last decade and a half looking for new ways to explore his culinary passion while injecting youthful energy into the Toronto food industry. Although the last year presented many … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Prairie Girl bakery has shut its doors for good in the GTA. Prairie Girl first opened in April of 2011 and gained a loyal following for its old-fashioned cakes, cupcakes, and catering options. Directly impacted by the current pandemic, Prairie Girl closed four of its five locations in 2020 and is now shuttering its flagship … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Although 2020 was not a great year when it comes to culture, artists did what they always do. They created, and in so doing helped us to deal with life in a quarantine without access to live music, theatre, or our beloved festivals. Here are the top 5 arts stories of 2020. Word on the … Continued
