12 h. ago Hidden gem noodle shop in Toronto closes and a Tim Hortons will replace it

A Toronto noodle restaurant popular in its neighbourhood has closed down permanently, and what's replacing it is so typical.In Toronto, we're lucky enough to have fantastic Chinese restaurants on seemingly every city block. Still, that doesn't mean that people aren't entitled to picking favourites.For Annex residents and folks who frequent the Bloor and Bathurst area alike, one such favourite was Szechuan Noodle Bowl, the only Toronto location of a three-restaurant chain specializing in Szechuan cuisine and noodle-based dishes. Go figure.Situated directly at the corner of Bloor and Bathurst, steps away from Bathurst subway station, the restaurant has been a hub for those searching for a steaming bowl of hand-pulled noodles priced at $15 or less.Their Dan Dan Noodles, might we add, are out of this world.Nowadays, though, Torontonians will have to travel to the chain's other locations in Mississauga or, if you're in the mood for a road trip, Hamilton, to get their fill,...

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46 h. ago International bakery chain known for healthy cake opening first Toronto location

An international bakery chain known for what it calls "healthy" versions of classic treats is about to open its first-ever Canadian location in Toronto.You may assume that ingredients like sugar, gluten, and dairy are integral pillars for almost any baked good, and, most of the time, you'd be right. However, one European bakery chain that's about to make its Canadian debut is on a mission to prove that you can have sweet treats that still hit the spot without any of those things.We'll be the judges of that.Landing on Bloor West this summer by way of Poland is FitCake, a chain that touts itself as "the first and largest non-pastry shop in the world," and currently boasts nine locations in Poland, with an additional presence in Austria, Sweden, Spain, and Malta.So, what makes the cakes so "fit"? The bakery (or, non-pastry shop, if you prefer) is completely sugar-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan, but, if its rapid expansion across Europe can be used as any indi...

Society

7 d. ago ‘Great energy’: Calgary Stampede kicks off with oilpatch optimism, patriotic pride

CALGARY — The party tents are up, straw bales are scattered around sidewalks and the most crucial 10 days of the year are in full swing for one Calgary bar and restaurant operator. The Calgary Stampede is a yearly celebration of western culture that kicks off Friday with a parade and includes rodeo events, concerts, […]

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7 d. ago Ontario burger chain shutting down yet another Toronto location

An Ontario burger chain that's been on quite the roller coaster recently just confirmed that one Toronto location will be closing down.The past few months have been full of ups and downs for London, Ont.-based vegan fast food chain, Odd Burger.The chain, founded in 2014, has opened a slew of new restaurants across Canada over the past year, including an inaugural location in Vancouver and Edmonton (with another on the way).With great expansion comes great difficulties, on the other hand, and locations in Toronto have, seemingly, borne no small amount of challenges.Earlier this spring, a long-awaited location on Broadview went up for lease despite never actually opening after years of developmental issues, which came just months after the company scrapped their plans for a major U.S. expansion amid political tensions.Now, the chain's Scarborough location at 4549 Kingston Rd. has been stirring up concern, as the doors of the location remain locked and the restaurant has been m...

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7 d. ago Toronto staple known for its steak frites is closing for good

A Toronto restaurant that has become a local hot spot just announced that it’ll be shutting down its original location later this month.When it comes to steak in Toronto, and steak frites more specifically, there's a nearly infinite number of options in the city where folks can get their fix, from Ossington's Cote de Boeuf to Jules Bistro in Leslieville.One restaurant, though, is devoted solely and entirely to the dish, and there's always something to be said for doing one thing really, really well.Ever since 2022, West Queen West's J's Steak Frites has cemented a spot on the city's culinary scene by serving nothing other than a set menu of salad, steak and unlimited fries, and, since day one, the city has been hooked.The concept proved so popular, in fact, that J's Steak Frites expanded to a second Little Italy location in July of 2024, which immediately drew just as large of a crowd as the original — if not...

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8 d. ago Shuttered Toronto Mexican spot reopens in new location with beer garden

A Toronto restaurant from one of the city’s most well-regarded chefs has just been replaced with a new Mexican restaurant and beer garden.It was the closure heard around the city when renowned Toronto chef, Anthony Rose, decided to close the doors on Fet Zun, the quasi-sister location to Toronto's much-loved Fat Pasha.Okay, maybe it wasn't quite that big of a deal, but it still came as a shock to the scores of Annex locals who frequented the restaurant.Boasting a massive indoor footprint, as well as ample backyard space (which housed Madame Boeuf and Flea, its burger pop-up) and a spacious front patio, the restaurant, despite being open year-round, was particularly a summertime staple.Lingering dormant since Fet Zun's closure in December of 2024, the question loomed large as to what would replace it for months. What could possibly be worthy of the prized piece of Dupont real estate?Now, we finally have an answer.As of June 27, Fet Zun's old locat...

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1 week ago Toronto birds dying because of new transit line that ironically shares name with bird

Trigger warning: This article contains photos of injured animals and may be distressing to some readersAt an underpass where construction is wrapping up on the soon-to-open Finch West LRT, concerns are being raised over dead pigeons found trapped amid the site alterations. Pigeons appear to be getting caught between a concrete wall and a red metal plate — installed by Metrolinx, trying to get back to their roost site. The irony here? The new LRT, planned to open this year as the TTC's Line 6, is named for Finch Avenue, which, while originating from the moniker of a former hotel and its owner, also shares the name of the finch species of birds, of which multiple subspecies are found in Toronto.The site in question is located along a westbound stretch of Finch where the LRT crosses under rail tracks just before Weston Road. Here, concerned Toronto resident Ann Martin first found evidence of the birds' tragic fate. The red meta...

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1 week ago Huge condo tower a step closer to replacing LCBO and Dollarama in Toronto

A massive condo proposal could soon replace an LCBO and Dollarama location on Toronto's Yonge Street — a plan that has undergone several changes over the past year.A proposal to redevelop 543 through 549 Yonge Street landed with Toronto city planners in March 2024 that would spell the end of an existing four-storey office building housing an LCBO location at street level and a Dollarama in its basement retail unit.After 15 months and much back and forth between City staff and developers CentreCourt, Fitzrovia and Choice Properties REIT, the plan resurfaced with an updated submission filed in June.GoogleThe planned 68-storey condo tower's designed by architects Arcadis has undergone several changes since first proposed, addressing comments and concerns raised by planning staff.ArcadisIn a letter included in the submission, the project team explains that "Following initial comments from Staff, we have had multiple meetings with Planning, Urban Design and other comme...

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1 week ago Director Domee Shi shares her favourite places to go in Toronto

Domee Shi has grown from local Toronto upbringing to become one of the most sought-after directors in the movie business, and while she may have gone Hollywood on us, she clearly hasn't lost touch with her roots in the 416.In a recent interview with blogTO, the Turning Red director opened up about her favourite things about Toronto, ranging from current hangouts to nostalgic locations that only remain in the history books.Here are Domee Shi's favourite things about Toronto.Favourite neighbourhood - Kensington MarketThe confluence of gritty and trendy is a favourite Toronto neighbourhood for many, known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and few remaining businesses from the area's heyday as a predominantly food and grocery-oriented market.Favourite place to get work done - her parents' houseYou probably won't be able to share Shi's top spot to catch up on work, naming her parents' house as the place to crunch. "That's all I remember. Doin...

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2 w. ago Timeless $4.5 million Toronto home hides stunning modern interiors

If you've been house hunting and feel like you've seen one too many soulless, millenial grey boxes with "open concept" stamped on it like a buzzword, let me introduce you to a house that is none of those things.9 Lynwood Ave. is timeless red brick house located on a quiet, leafy street in Toronto's South Hill neighbourhood just steps from top-rated schools, green space, and the citys best amenities. Already off to a great start. But the biggest selling point of this home, in my opinion and realtor Gillian Oxley's, is the fact that this house retains much of its delightful original Arts and Crafts roots while still being a practical modern day family home. The foyer. You're welcomed into 9 Lynwood Ave. with a light-drenched foyer with heated floors, a gas fireplace, and a built-in bench that's original to the house. Chefs kiss. The living room. The home, boasting 4,4...

Economics

2 w. ago Lazeez Shawarma Celebrates Canada Day with Free Flag Giveaway Across 60+ locations

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — This Canada Day, Lazeez Shawarma is celebrating the nation we all call home by giving away 50,000 free Canadian flags across 60+ locations in the Greater Toronto Area—once again inviting the community to show their Canadian pride and spirit. Simply walk into any Lazeez restaurant and ask for a flag—no purchase necessary. […]

Culture

3 w. ago First Toronto location of Calgary restaurant chain finally opening next month

The highly anticipated Toronto location of a popular Canadian bar and restaurant chain is finally opening next month.It's been nearly a year since the stylish Calgary restaurant chain Central Taps announced that it'd be taking over the Ossington space that once housed the iconic Venezia Bakery, before going virtually silent.The city wondered when, if ever, they'd get to experience it for themselves.As time went on, the initially projected "early 2025" opening date became increasingly harder to believe in, until, finally, over halfway through 2025, the chain broke its silence on the Toronto location's developments, sharing an official opening date for Central Toronto Ossington.Hey, nothing worth having ever arrives on time, does it? Just look at the Eglinton LRT. At least Central didn't make Toronto wait for quite so long.At long last, Central Toronto Ossington is opening its doors to the public on Thursday, July 3, jus...

Sport

3 w. ago Spacious $575,000 condo in Ontario is the perfect blend of cozy and contemporary

This $575,000 Ontario condo is a rare gem you won't want to miss, boasting two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a host of sought-after upgrades.Finding a home listed for under $1 million is hard enough in and around Toronto, but under $600,000 for a comfortable, modern place to hang your hat is virtually unheard of in 2025.Enter unit 101 at 2010 Cleaver Avenue in Burlington. Priced under $600,000, the spacious condo unit is a truly rare find and, coupled with its bright, natural light-filled design, it's safe to say that it verges on dream home status.Located within a commutable distance to Toronto and nearby schools, green spaces and local businesses, Burlington is a deeply desirable spot to settle down — and, clearly, the price of property there can't be beat.The open-concept common areas give the 1,200 sq. ft. unit a particularly spacious feel, allowing for seamless flow between the living and dining areas, with the kitchen and bedrooms not far beyond.The layout also...

Economics

3 w. ago International cafe known for its baked goods is opening two new Ontario locations

World-renowned Korean bakery chain Paris Baguette is gearing up to open its latest Toronto location, this time taking on a brand-new neighbourhood.Despite opening its first Canadian location at the Yonge-Sheppard Centre in North York just over two years ago, Paris Baguette has more than made its mark on Toronto's culinary scene.Over its nearly 40 years in business, the South Korea-founded global chain has made a name for itself serving up sweet confections that are almost as delightful to look at as they are to eat, including mochi donuts, impeccably layered trifles, cream-filled croissants and bombolone.They even serve up some unique savoury options, like croissant-wrapped hot dogs and crabmeat-filled croquettes.Nowadays, the chain, recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in the world by Entrepreneur, boasts 4000 locations worldwide, including the two additional locations that have opened in the city in the years that followed: a Yorkville flagship ...

Society

4 w. ago Here's what's replacing the most iconic former Pusateri's location in Toronto

It's been over a year since Toronto-based luxury grocer, Pusateri's, closed the doors of its most iconic location in the city, and now there's finally news about what will be taking the space over next.Standing at the corner of Yorkville Avenue and Bay Street for over 20 years, the standalone store may have been smaller than its sister locations, but it certainly scored points for being located in an opulent neighbourhood, servicing the well-to-do and fashionable.Things took a turn in September of 2024, though, when the chain declared bankruptcy and shuttered all but its flagship location at Avenue and Lawrence in a restructuring effort.Yorkville had closed its doors about six months before the bankruptcy announcement, perhaps to mitigate the losses the business knew were impending, and has remained vacant ever since; a glaring gap in an otherwise generally gussied-up neighbourhood.As rumours continue to swirl about what could possibly take over the 5,500 sq. ft. storefr...

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