Bayview Post February 2026

BAYVIEW

BACHELOR #1... DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DATE.

Let’s see how much you love Toronto CITY

RON JOHNSON is the editorial director of Post City Magazines.

I have more than enough weird and wonderful bits of trivia rattling around in my head from many years of writing about this city, but it somehow never gets boring. There’s something about Toronto — and its place in the Canadian lexicon — that makes these stories, these oddball inventions and surprising slices of history, endlessly compelling. They continue to keep me interested in, and impressed by, the city, no matter what kind of wild nonsense might be unfolding at city hall or elsewhere at any given moment.

There is no other city on earth where one of the great pieces of local trivia involves a full-on brawl between clowns and firefighters. Only in Toronto.Think the NBA’s presence in Toronto began with the Raptors? Think again. Or how about this: who even knew the world’s worst-tasting cough syrup was invented right here?And let’s not even get started on all those incredible Torontonians around the world like Keanu Reeves. Who knew one of the world’s biggest stars went to Jesse Ketchum in Yorkville and dreamed of becoming an NHL goalie? Well, we did.

This month, we want to see just how much you love Toronto by inviting you to take our trivia challenge. And this year, we’ve included entirely new questions covering what happened in 2025, adding another fresh layer to the city’s ever-growing lore.

Hopefully, you’ll learn something new along the way, and maybe we’ll even inspire a few of you to dig a little deeper into the incredible stories that make up the city we all know and love.

And, if you like trivia in our magazine, remember that Wednesday is trivia day on our Streets of Toronto social media channels. So settle in with a friend or your family, test your Toronto knowledge and enjoy this month’s issue.

T.O.’S ULTIMATE CITY GUIDES

Redak

FAST FACTS

NAME: Simu Liu

BORN: April 19, 1989 in Harbin, China

COLLEGE: University of Western Ontario

BIG BREAK: Series regular in ‘Blood and Water’ on Omni TV

DID YOU KNOW: Started his career working as an extra and stuntman

POST INTERVIEW CITY HACKS

Iconic Toronto actor takes on Jason Bourne

Toronto actor Simu Liu was back in town to shoot his latest, a spy thriller dubbed The Copenhagen Test (airing on Showcase and StackTV). The tense series, which premiered last month, explores trust and identity — a rather nefarious look at technology through a hacked intelligence analyst.

What do you hope audiences take away from ‘The Copenhagen Test’? Maybe put your phones down. Don’t give Facebook all your information. Be careful. Be careful with everything you see. In this day and age, even things you read or videos you watch — anything can be altered and manipulated. So yeah — just be careful.

Your character’s friend or mentor on the show is a chef. Could you name-drop a few of your favourite Toronto restaurants? Yeah, of course. Pai is definitely up there — I love Pai. I love Akin. My God, so many. Aburi Hana in Yorkville — amazing, incredible sushi, on the Michelin list, too, which is so awesome. I feel like Toronto is evolving really rapidly from a food standpoint and becoming this really vibrant and exciting food city.

an action hero you’ve never really seen before. It feels like a fresh take. Alexander is Chinese-American, and when we meet him, he’s really desperate to prove himself — almost willing to do anything to prove his worth and what he’s capable of and also to be accepted.

So how does the character develop?

Over the course of the show, what emerges is this more self-assured moral compass. He decides, “I’m not going to do what other people want me to do. I’m going to do what I want to do,” because he trusts what he believes is right and wrong. Just watching that compelling story wrapped in a really cool sci-fi premise is amazing. And I haven’t even mentioned Melissa Barrera, but that’s another huge part of what makes the show special.

“HERE, YOU’RE GOING TO SEE AN ACTION HERO YOU’VE NEVER REALLY SEEN BEFORE.”

What was the biggest challenge for you as an actor? You know, the fight scenes, the action, whatever. I feel like that’s almost bread and butter, second nature to me at this point. But knowing that this character was going to have to walk this impossible tightrope, where he’s constantly performing for this kind of unseen enemy through his eyes and through his ears, it was a very unique acting assignment.

What do you think makes this series different from other spy thrillers, like the Jason Bourne films? I think, growing up, not really seeing people who look like me portrayed on screen in a heroic way — here, you’re going to see

And it was shot here?

Yes, I’m really proud that we shot the show in Toronto and shared a lot of crew members from a show I did back in the day. It was just a really cool full-circle moment for me to go back home.

Tell me about your chemistry with Melissa Barrera. What I love most about her is that she’s not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get into it. A lot of actors carry different reputations around them. Some do not want to touch a stunt. Some are very clear about what they will and won’t do physically. Michelle is a very physical role, and it would have been really challenging if we’d had an actress who didn’t want to participate in the fights. Melissa just threw herself into the training process, became such a good fighter, had that competitive energy. She came to set every day wanting to do it better. I can’t say enough good things about her as an artist, performer and human.

—Ron Johnson

I just got a real film camera, how do I get into the photography scene?

Community and café

Graination (204 Spadina Ave.) is a hub combining developing and scanning with fine art printing as well as a café and community space.

Exhibitionists

The Gallery 44 (401 Richmond St. W.) space offers exhibitions, workshops and darkroom facilities celebrating photography as art.

Historic club

The Toronto Camera Club (587 Mt. Pleasant Rd.) offers meetings, lectures, competitions, workshops and a dedicated darkroom and public gallery.

Shocking development

Memento (216 Ossington Ave.) is a beloved shop with a friendly staff blending developing and scanning with community.

L-R: Simu Liu, a scene from ‘The Copenhagen Test’

Simu Liu on identity theft, being back home and his favourite Thai restaurant

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News

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Cheer on your Toronto athletes at the 2026

Winter Olympics

Starting Feb. 6, more than 200 Canadians will hit the slopes, rinks and tracks at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy. And yes, we’re cheering for all of them — but there’s something extra thrilling about rooting for the hometown heroes, the ones who grew up around Toronto or still train in the city. For instance, keep your eyes on downhill skier Jack Crawford, who cut his teeth in Ontario ski country or ice dancer Piper Gilles, the powerhouse gliding with Paul Poirier, or Daryl Watts suiting up for Canada’s women’s ice hockey team. These athletes have poured years of sweat, heart and pure grit into reaching this stage. So grab your maple leaf gear, make some noise, and let’s cheer loud for our local legends this month. Go Canada! Go Toronto!

Clockwise from left: Jack Crawford, Piper Gilles with Paul Poirier and Daryl Watts

The suicidal insanity of non-stop growth

Our current economic system is obsessed with constant growth, except when it comes to the natural systems on which our health and survival depend. Those are shrinking, destroyed by our obsession.

The human population has been multiplying rapidly, especially since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Air, water and land are polluted and degraded as the climate heats to catastrophic levels, yet we continue to burn fossil fuels and devastate carbon sinks.

It’s malignant. It’s suicidal. And it’s unfair. The obscenely wealthy hoard money

and resources, amassing billions of dollars while others starve and struggle to survive. We build roads and parking infrastructure so people can transport themselves in large, inefficient machines, powered by polluting, climate-altering fuels or massive, resource-heavy batteries. We spend colossal amounts of money to mine minerals and produce sophisticated weapons used to destroy.

Where does it end?

Many think this system is inevitable, unchangeable. But it’s relatively new, and humans have always adapted to changing conditions and advancing knowledge. As recently as the early 20th century, when the human population was much smaller, it seemed the planet offered limitless

bounty, that there was plenty of land, timber, minerals and fossil fuels to create prosperity and profits. In North America especially, industrialists saw that selling gas-guzzling cars and building infrastructure for them could generate enormous profits for the newly booming oil and auto industries. People were convinced that travelling in their own massive, inefficient vehicles was the key to freedom.

But has our never-satisfied gluttonous appetite really brought “spiritual satisfaction” or happiness?

The planet offers everything we need to survive and thrive, but not if we continue to wastefully exploit it.

Hey Bo, is the grass really greener in New York?

The Toronto Blue Jays’ promising offseason has taken a sudden downturn after missing out on two major offensive targets. Star outfielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and attention quickly shifted to Bo Bichette, who had remained a free agent and was widely expected to stay in Toronto.

That changed when Bichette signed a three-year contract with the New York Mets. Reports suggest concerns about playing conditions at Rogers Centre played a role.

According to MLB.com, Bichette privately cited the physical toll of playing half his games on the stadium’s artificial turf. Harder than natural grass, the surface can stress joints and muscles, especially during long sprints, sudden stops or dives — all routine for

outfielders. Bichette’s history of knee, calf and quad injuries may have made the risk feel too high.

Rogers Centre’s turf has long been a concern for players. Past Blue Jays, including José Bautista and Edwin Encarnación, noted increased soreness and fatigue late in the season. Injury patterns in Toronto also suggest slightly higher wear-related issues compared with teams that play fully on grass, making Bichette’s caution understandable.

With Bichette gone and few impact hitters left on the freeagent market, the Blue Jays now face pressure to find another bat before the 2026 season, potentially relying on trades or other creative solutions to support Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Now playing: The anatomy of a city fail

The Regent Revival Theatre on Mount Pleasant, approved by heritage boards and the Ontario Land Tribunal, remains stalled after long delays, opposition and rising costs.

Step 1: The Regent Theatre has been a local cultural gem since 1927. By 2017, it was on the market, and many feared a condo was next. It was designated a heritage building in 2022.

Step 2: When Terra Bruce Productions purchased the property in 2020, the vision was clear: A new live theatre and community space that preserved and restored the heritage glory. No condo. Residents associations supported it. Heritage boards approved it. A small group of angry neighbours lost it.

Step 3: The Committee of Adjustment denied the project’s application for minor variances for, well, minor reasons, thanks in part to complaints from a few loud locals.

Step 4: Developers had to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Of course they won, but legal battles and time took a toll.

Step 5: Despite the legal green light, the project has been paused. The theatre is closed, its historic facade preserved but the cultural potential lost for now. Maybe permanently. Is a condo next? Instant karma?

—Ron Johnson

Toronto like other cities should rethink the growth at all costs mantra

—Nisean Lorde

Bo Bichette

DAVID SUZUKI with files from senior editor Ian Hanington.

NewHappyYear!

Big names to enter Rosedale byelection

In January, Chrystia Freeland, Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Toronto University–Rosedale, announced her retirement from politics leaving a gaping hole in one of the city’s most prominent areas.

Although flipping the seat will be a challenge, nothing is safe in Canadian politics these days.

In the 2025 federal election, Freeland won her seat easily with 64 per cent of the vote.

The Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) finished second at 23.5 per cent and could have the best shot at taking the riding. The National Democratic Party (NDP) won almost 10 per cent.

Although no candidates have been declared officially, there are undoubtedly a lot of conversations happening. For instance, both Dr. Andrew Boozary and Dr. Danielle Martin have been rumoured to be interested in making the jump to politics.

And it has been reported that John Tory Jr., son of former Toronto mayor John Tory, may seek a federal seat with the Liberals, and this would be in Tory’s old stomping grounds.

Liz Grade, a realtor, is the CPC candidate on record, having run and lost in the last election.

“Last fall, I stepped down

from cabinet and announced that I would not be seeking reelection and that I would be taking on new full-time professional roles outside politics beginning this summer,” said Freeland, in a statement. “On Monday, I announced my intention to leave the House of Commons in the coming weeks. Today, I have written to the Speaker to confirm that I will vacate my seat effective this Friday, January 9.”

Freeland also announced she will be working alongside Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“One of the roles I will be taking on is as an unpaid advisor on economic issues to the president of Ukraine,” she said. “Going forward I will continue to support and help build Canada in every way I can, while championing the brave fight of the people of Ukraine, a cause I have been committed to my entire life.”

By law, a byelection must take place on a Monday, between 36 and 50 days after it’s announced. For the University–Rosedale riding, that means the vote could be held no earlier than Monday, March 2, and no later than Monday, Aug. 24.

—Ron Johnson

Margel

Dentists!

Chrystia Freeland

New lower village proposal more than double previous height

A redevelopment proposal in Forest Hill village is back, but this time, it’s more than twice as tall as the version that once seemed headed for approval.

An application to redevelop a site on Spadina Road at Montclair Avenue now calls for a 14storey mixed-use condominium, designed by Giannone Petricone Associates for Equinox Properties. The proposal marks a large increase from the sixstorey plan that previously received approval in principle through the Ontario Land Tribunal’s predecessor in May 2018.

The rectangular site comprises an assembly of properties addressed 390 through 398 Spadina Road, occupied by two-storey brick mixed-use buildings, with retail at grade and walk-up residential units above, along with surface parking at the rear. The site currently contains five residential units.

The earlier Zoning By-law Amendment application advanced through the tribunal process, resulting in an interim approval for a six-storey mixeduse building. That approval-inprinciple stalled because the conditions attached to the interim order were not cleared, and a final order was never issued. City of Toronto staff later

advised that any new proposal seeking additional height and density would require a fresh submission.

In December 2025, WND Associates submitted the new Zoning By-law Amendment application on behalf of 394–396 Spadina Investments Ltd., noting in the cover letter that the proposed development “represents good planning and is in the public interest.”

“The increase in development reflects new provincial priorities.”

The current submission would introduce a 14-storey mixed-use building occupying the northwest corner of the site with a three-storey street wall along Spadina Road. The revised plan proposes 54 condominium units, up from 33 in the earlier plan. Ground-floor retail would be arranged as two commercial units, with pedestrian access from Spadina Road, and the primary residential lobby would face Montclair Avenue.

Vehicle parking would be located within three below-grade levels, accessed from Nick Vitantonio Lane, which is proposed to be widened to meet a six-metre standard. The plan calls for 72 vehicular parking spaces — 57 for residents and 15 for visitors — and 66 bicycle parking spaces.

The site sits within the St. Clair West Protected Major Transit Station Area and is approximately a five- to six-minute walk to the Heath Street entrance of St. Clair West station. Surrounding development activity reflects a variety of built forms, but there are plenty of new projects on the go, including a seven-storey condominium on Thelma Avenue.

The increase in development reflects new provincial priorities for development near mass transit. Toronto is beginning to update zoning near 120 transit areas, including TTC, GO and LRT stations, to allow taller buildings and more housing.

The changes, following provincial approval in August 2025, aim to unlock new housing, support local businesses and create complete, connected communities within a 10-minute walk of major transit hubs.

—Nisean Lorde

Rendering of proposed Forest Hill condominium development

Scrivener to get tunnel and subway entrance

Years in the making, the second entranceway to the Summerhill transit station is finally nearing completion, and to that end sidewalks on Scrivener Square will be closed to accommodate a construction staging area beginning Feb. 1.

The Toronto and East York Community Council has approved the construction staging plan for the Summerhill station second exit/entrance project, which should run until April 30.

A staircase from the northbound platform will connect to an underpass tunnel below the existing Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway, connecting to an exit as part of the James condominium project at 10 Price St. Upon completion, it will be a boon to local residents and businesses in the area around Yonge and Price streets as people will no longer need to trudge under the train overpass to Summerhill station.

The project includes sidewalk closures on Scrivener Square, the creation of temporary, fully accessible pedestrian walkways and enhanced safety measures such as lighting, cane detection, signage and traffic control personnel.

The council also required daily and weekly site cleaning,

installation of public art, mitigation of light pollution, regular stakeholder consultation and a publicly accessible construction website.

All pre-construction traffic and parking regulations will be restored after project completion. The construction will occur in nine stages, maintaining pedestrian access throughout, and the decision was adopted without amendment.

“For safety reasons, the TTC must install second exits at its existing subway stations,” said local city councillor Dianne Saxe, in a letter to council.

“Work on the second exit at the Summerhill station is ready to begin.”

The project has been talked about for a decade or two, with the TTC even holding public open houses as early as 2013, and mentions in online discussion forums regarding a potential GO expansion to Summerhill and a second exit in the mid-2000s.

Anyone who has been to Summerhill station understands the need for a second exit, especially from a security and emergency perspective given the one lone staircase at the end of a very long subway platform.

—Ron Johnson

Summerhill’s Scrivener Square

Iceberg home issue could finally get attention from the city

Years ago, many Hogg’s Hollow residents raised strong objections to the development of a socalled “iceberg home” in their neighbourhood — a home that appears relatively modest above ground but conceals massive underground compounds.

After the project received approval, the late city councillor Jaye Robinson brought forward a motion to assess the broader impacts of this style of construction. Now, more than a decade later, the city may finally be moving to crack down.

The most high-profile example remains the planned redevelopment on Knightswood Rd., where a 200-year-old heritage home was replaced with a sprawling 14,000-square-foot residence featuring a two-storey underground bunker. The project sparked serious concerns, ranging from potential structural impacts on neighbouring properties to environmental risks and inadequate public notice highlighting a gap in city regulations.

Critics have pointed out that iceberg homes have been linked to shifting ground levels, collapsed foundations in neighbouring houses and excessive noise and vibration during excavation. In response, city planners are now recommending tighter

rules on how deep below-grade residential buildings should be allowed to extend in low-rise neighbourhoods.

In a 2025 staff report, to the city’s planning and housing committee, staff proposed changes to the zoning bylaw aimed at protecting the tree canopy and storm water systems, while addressing the impacts of iceberg homes. Among the recommendations is the introduction of minimum below-ground

“This is not the sign of a city with a healthy housing policy.”

building setbacks for low-rise houses and multiplexes, preventing sprawling basements from extending to property lines.

“Potential impacts of iceberg homes include those related to injuries to mature trees, limitations on new planting opportunities, soil permeability, drainage, groundwater and storm water management and embodied carbon,” the report notes, emphasizing that these concerns are directly tied to the city’s climate resilience goals.

Although the number of officially proposed iceberg homes

remains relatively small — a City of Toronto spokesperson told the Toronto Star that 12 applications have been submitted since spring 2024 — the issue has drawn significant attention from neighbourhood groups and environmental advocates. They point to the 2021 Hogg’s Hollow project as a cautionary tale, where construction of an iceberg home led to the removal of a 250-year-old sugar maple and other mature trees in a sensitive ravine area.

That controversy prompted Toronto City Council to launch a review of how these types of builds affect local communities.

The volunteer-run advocacy group More Neighbours Toronto recently wrote to council, noting that iceberg home proposals reflect how difficult it has become to expand housing above ground in residential zones.

“This is not the sign of a city with a healthy housing policy, and as noted by City Planning, these buildings are not good for the tree canopy,” the letter states.

“We encourage City Planning to consider increasing height limits in residential zones so that iceberg homes stop being necessary.”

The city was expected to revisit the issue in January.

—Nisean Lorde

Dr. Ari Voudouris Dr. Brent Rose Dr. Steve Mastropole

A sign protesting against an iceberg home in Hogg’s Hollow

I now pronounce you mochi obsessed

Marry Me Mochi is the newest sweet treat to come to Bayview Village at 2901 Bayview Ave. Offering Japanese-inspired mochi doughnuts in fun flavours that include crème brûlée, Lotus Biscoff cookie butter and strawberry Pocky, the elegant bakery also features new weekly flavours (like KitKat) and even mini mochi puffs. You can also find the viral Dubai chocolate bars here.

Tom Ford just opened its first Canadian standalone storefront, joining the stretch of luxury fashion boutiques in Yorkdale at 3401 Dufferin St. The 3,000square-foot shop, with sleek, marbled flooring and chrome and glass accents, features both men’s and women’s collections in the same place for the first time in Canada.

Denovia is turning heads. The hybrid specialty café and holistic healing space, new to 2656 Yonge St., offers services such as sound baths, IV drips and BioWell energy scans to learn about your chakra energy landscape. The coffee is similarly wellness focused, with specialty hand brews starting at $28 and a limited 50-cup Panamanian Elida Geisha brew at $99 per pour.

The Wallpapery has launched in midtown! Dedicated to highquality wall coverings, owner Krista Mussell also offers interior design services on an hourly basis, ideally for smaller projects. The retail shop features wallpaper ranging from traditional to modern in a variety of textures, including grass cloth, raffia and silk. Stop by at 2585 Yonge St.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique recently opened its first Canadian location at Shops at Don Mills. Offering four membership tiers that include unlimited bath and brushes, pet owners can visit the new groomer at 10 Clock Tower Rd.

Royal de Versailles just opened a boutique for luxury brand Tudor in Yorkville, marking the first in Canada for the Swiss watchmaker. The immersive new space at 101 Bloor St. W. allows clients to explore the brand’s full collections.

Nutbar is making some major moves. The wellness bar known for its “superfood smoothies” is moving its Summerhill location just five minutes down the road. The café will move into new luxury condo building the James at 10 Price St. later this year.

Japanese doughnut shop Marry Me Mochi is new to Bayview Village

BREAK-INS BY NEIGHBOURHOOD

TORONTO

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Toronto’s former chief planner on where housing is headed

Last year, Toronto saw its lowest level of home sales since 2000 and a near-total condo market crash. Uncertainty is in the air — where do we go from here? Jennifer Keesmaat, president and CEO of Collecdev Markee and former chief city planner, helped us map out the city’s next couple of years.

Give us the scoop on 2026. What can we expect?

Uncertainty is terrible for change, so when you see job losses, when you see immigration rates drastically and unexpectedly go down, which means prices might soften further, it makes it very difficult for people to make these big kinds of decisions. We're probably going to see more of the same in 2026. It’s ironic because back in 2023, when things started to become very challenging in the housing market, there was a little saying in the industry amongst developers, which was “Try and survive until 2025.” And now we’ve passed 2025, and what we’ve seen is that a lot of home builders have not survived. And now

developers do start building again, what will they build? I would be flabbergasted if we ever went back to that. I don’t think there are many developers who would be prepared to take the risk moving forward of building that type of product, because it’s risky building something that the minute the market turns nobody wants it. That’s a good thing — hopefully it rids our market of unlivable units once and for all. People want great amenities, they want windows that open, they want closets in their bedrooms, they want to be able to put a desk in their condo.

quite a few are figuring out whether they're going to be able to weather 2026 and 2027.

Will detached home buyers remain in the driver’s seat?

The market will continue to favour buyers this year. Inventory is going to continue to go up, and there’s so much of it already. Sellers are going to have to really compete on pricing to attract buyers.

Everyone’s talking condo crash; where is that market going?

It’s volatile. There are a significant number of rental projects that are potentially going to be converted to condos, which is sometimes possible. There’s going to be a significant number of buyers who probably don’t close on their preconstruction sale units. We might see more dramatic moves, like Tridel cancelling all of their pre-

sale contracts [at One Bloor West, formerly The One]. One of the things that we do know is that, when we get to that three or four year period out from today, there will be no new condos. So the long-term prospect for condos is very strong, because there’s going to be a shortage.

Last year, we learned that tiny, cookie cutter condos aren’t the answer. When

What do you predict will be the next ‘trending’ T.O. neighbourhood? I’m biased, but Davisville. There’s great transit, a new school and community centre being built, and it’s a very walkable neighbourhood.

Elite retreats: Inside Ontario’s exclusive ski-side hideaways

L–R: Jennifer Keesmaat is now CEO of Collecdev Markee; home sales have reached record lows

Beat the crowds (and the traffic) by investing in these chalets located steps from the province’s more private ski hills

Currents

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Find your soulmate on the dance floor this Valentine’s Day

This February 14, fall head over heels while staying on your toes. Whether you’re looking to meet someone new or need a fun date night idea, there are a few hot spots in Toronto that are turning dance lessons into the ideal night out. At Lula Lounge, Fridays and Saturdays are Latin nights with a live salsa band and DJ, featuring salsa lessons from top instructors. On V-Day, opt for a sweethearts dinner with lessons and two live sets of Cuban dance music. If you and your date want to go western, check out Rock 'N' Horse Saloon, where beginners can take a line dancing lesson before grooving to country music all night long. At Dina’s Tavern, jazz lovers can grab a swing lesson on Tuesdays before putting their skills to the test on the dance floor as a live jazz band gets funky — and snag a romantic souvenir in the bar’s photo booth!

Clockwise from left: Salsa dancing at Lula Lounge, line dancing at Rock 'N' Horse Saloon, the photo booth at Dina’s Tavern

VALENTINE’S SHOPPING GUIDE

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T.O. world champ is sweeping into her first Olympics SPORTS Q&A

When Team Canada arrives in Milan this month, there’s one sport everyone is going to be watching: curling. Ranked number one in the world, the Canadian women’s team is also the first to win consecutive world championship gold medals in over 30 years. All eyes will be on Toronto’s own Sarah Wilkes: playing lead, she’ll be throwing the first stones in her first ever Olympic Games. We caught up with the two-time world champion ahead of Milan.

You’re top-ranked heading into the Games. What is it about this team that’s so special?

We all have our own roles and are fully committed to those. We all bring such different things to our team, and I think that we all complement each other really well in that sense. And no one's trying to do someone else's job.

Curling is obviously an iconic Canadian sport. How does it feel representing the country on the biggest stage? I think it's an incredible privilege. I just think back to myself as a little kid watching curling and saying, “I want to be able to do

that someday.” So I hope to be able to bring that joy and inspiration, especially to young girls watching. It’s really cool that there are going to be so many eyes on it.

Thinking back to little kid you, when did this all start?

I’ve been curling since I was six, and I remember when I was around 12, a team at

Little towns with a lot of heart

Let your love story hit the road with Ontario’s best small hamlets perfect for a romantic getaway for two

A sweet escape

Stratford is a love letter to long lunches, slow walks and dramatic flair. The Avon River winds past tree-lined paths dotted with benches perfect for two. And when the weather warms up, cue the white swans (really!). Add in independent shops, candlelit restaurants and an actual Chocolate Trail, Stratford is for those who swoon over Shakespeare and sweets.

FAST FACTS

NAME: Sarah Wilkes

FAVE T.O. MEMORIES:

Walking the Beaches and the Bluffs, meeting friends at Enrico’s Pizza

SLIDING DOORS:

Almost gave up on curling to pursue fastball softball in the U.S.

CURLING LORE:

Has experience playing all four positions on the ice

the club I was curling at, Tam Heather, actually went to the Olympics, so that was inspiring. And I played on the curling team at Wilfrid University, and we ended up going to the World University Games, which was kind of like the closest thing to an Olympic Games you could get without being at the Olympics.

Was there a moment when it clicked for you that this is something you could do professionally?

Leading into the last Olympic trials, I decided to take a leap from my day job and put as much attention as I could on curling. That was six years ago, and it was definitely a turning point. I still work as a psychotherapist, just not full-time, and it has helped me be able to be as prepared as I can.

Has your psychotherapy background influenced you as an athlete?

It's definitely helped me look inwards, be a little more reflective. I’m always checking in with myself before every game to see where I’m at emotionally and remind myself of my values. What am I doing this for? What’s the bigger picture?

Which other sport are you most excited to watch in Milan?

Figure skating.

If you had to swap sports for one Olympics, what would you pick? I’m actually not very naturally athletic! But maybe hockey. —Julia Mastroianni

A trip back in time

If you and your date love storybook scenery, head to Elora. This village’s cobblestone streets and cliffside hotel (Elora Mill, complete with a spa for couples looking to relax) sit above the dramatic Elora Gorge. Intimate cafés like Lost and Found, eclectic shops like Mermaid in Elora and scenic trails balance a cosy atmosphere with vintage charm.

A romantic revival

Historic inns, preserved heritage, clock towers and a rolling landscape of vineyards give Niagara-onthe-Lake plenty of charm. Whether you spend the day wandering between wineries, relaxing at one of the spa hotels or perusing the quaint boutiques that dot main street, this town is for couples looking to rekindle their romance with a bit of adventure.

Sarah Wilkes plays lead on the women’s curling team

KAITLIN NARCISO is Streets of Toronto’s social media director and Great Escapes guide. daytrpr

STEAMY ROMANCE, RENT & GARAGE ROCK

The biggest and best concerts, events and shows this month, from Brandi Carlile and Margo Price to music, laughs and the return of Shaun Cassidy. By Ron Johnson

BRANDI CARLILE

Brandi Carlile brings her Human Tour to Scotiabank Arena on Feb. 18, for a powerhouse night of folk-rock and soul infused with her Grammy-winning vocals, raw and emotional storytelling and anthems that have earned her critical acclaim.

GREGORY PORTER

Experience the warm, soulful power of Gregory Porter at Massey Hall on Feb. 15, as he brings his Grammy-winning artistry — from Liquid Spirit to his latest Blue Note release, All Rise — to life with jazz, gospel and soul classics alongside his own acclaimed originals.

COWBOY JUNKIES

Toronto’s alt-country icons Cowboy Junkies led by Margo Timmins ride back into Koerner Hall, Feb. 7, for a career-spanning night of soulful folk, roots and rock, from the legendary Trinity Session to their latest album, Such Ferocious Beauty

MARGO PRICE

Don’t miss Margo Price at the Phoenix Concert Theatre on Feb. 25, for her Wild at Heart Tour, as the acclaimed singersongwriter — known for genre-blending country sound, and albums like Midwest Farmer’s Daughter — delivers a night of grit and soul.

COPPERBELT

Soulpepper presents Copperbelt, running Feb. 7 to March 4, Natasha Mumba’s debut play that follows Eden’s journey from Toronto back to her Zambian roots, unraveling family secrets, power struggles and the cost of chasing independence.

SHAUN CASSIDY

Catch Shaun Cassidy live at the Winter Garden Theatre on Feb. 20, as the multi-platinum singer, Grammy-nominated hit maker and acclaimed TV writer takes audiences on The Road to Us, a captivating evening of music, storytelling and Da Doo Ron Ron-ing.

SUMMER AND SMOKE

Tennessee Williams’s Summer and Smoke, running at Crow’s Theatre from Feb. 3 to March 1, is a blazing classic where two lovers navigate desire, duty and the dangerous collision of passion and convention in a small-town summer.

HAMLET

Experience Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the CAA Theatre, Feb. 25–28, in a bold, boundary-pushing production where Eddie Izzard takes on every role, bringing wit, intensity and startling versatility to Denmark’s tragic tale of revenge and power.

LUCAS ZELNICK

Get ready to laugh with Lucas Zelnick at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Feb. 26 and 27, as the New York–born, Comedy Central–featured comedian delivers sharp-witted standup drawn from his cushy upbringing, viral social media fame and his Stanford MBA.

KINGDOM OF BIRDS

Catch hot Toronto band Kingdom of Birds and their energetic garage rock and hypnotic post-punk as they celebrate the release of their new album Vermin, joined by Last Waltzon and Rosie Wyse on Feb. 9 at St. Anne’s Hall.

THE NEIGHBOURS

Tarragon Theatre presents the North American premiere of The Neighbours, by Governor General’s Award winner Nicolas Billon, running Feb. 24 to March 15, a tense and gripping drama where a seemingly quiet suburban couple discovers a dark secret next door.

RENT IN CONCERT

Celebrate 30 years of Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent in concert at Roy Thomson Hall on Feb 23, as a powerhouse ensemble brings the full Tony-winning score to life in a symphonic tribute to love, friendship and the spirit of New York’s East Village.

RE(A)DY FOR ROMANCE

Bright cherry red is trending this season — but this month, we're calling it Olympic red. Jeanne Beker has helped us source all things crimson for a wardrobe that's fit for the perfect Valentine's Day date or cheering on Team Canada when they head to the 2026 Milan Games this month.

A. FAUX LEATHER TRENCH, Hilary MacMillan, $325, hilarymacmillan.com “This has got a lot of classic trench detailing on it. I love the flaps and the big, wide belt.”

B. SHEER CREW SOCKS, Frock, $40, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.

C. SQUARE TOE ANKLE BOOTS, L'intervalle, SALE $105, 220 Yonge St. “These boots are fantastic. I really love that block heel and square toe. They'll add a bit of flash to your wardrobe.”

D. OVAL SUNGLASSES, Good Neighbour, $145, 1212 Yonge St.

E. WAVY HOOPS, Par Ici, $179, paricijewellery.com

F. ZIP-UP CABLE KNIT, Kotn, SALE $158, 148 Ossington Ave. “I love the cable knit and the great big mock neck. There's something very retro about this sweater.”

G BASEBALL CAP, Province of Canada, $56, 104 Ossington Ave.

H. CROCHET SWEATER, Desigual, $209, desigual.com “This is just charming; it appeals to those of us who love anything artisanal. And it's got great little hearts for Valentine's Day!”

I. MEN'S VINTAGE VEST, Exile Vintage, $59.99, 60 Kensington Ave. “We love our vests, and this one has a nice, casual feel to it with a great pop of colour.”

J. TRIANGLE CASHMERE SCARF, Lemonwood, $220, 1224A Yonge St.

K. FLORAL BERET, Frock, $89, 97 Roncesvalles Ave. “At this time of year, when things get a bit gloomy, this adorable hat would put a little spring in your step.”

L. HEART BAG, Loversland, $245, 215 Ossington Ave. “This bag looks like a little pillow!”

M. WIDE LEG CORDUROYS, TNT, SALE $225, 87 Avenue Rd.

N. VARSITY JACKET, Sports Club Atelier, $399, sportsclubatelier.ca

O. LEATHER GLOVES, Gravitypope, $150, 1010 Queen St. W.

P. BALACLAVA, Tusk, $70, 888 Queen St. W.

Q. MEN'S POLO, Lost & Found, $380, 12 Ossington Ave. “This is very sporty and graphically arresting; it's got such a cool vibe. Great for someone who wants to bring out their inner jock!”

Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, now watch her on

Jeanne Beker looks Olympic-ready in her take on the colour trend

PICK

JEANNE’S PICK

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JEANNE’S PICK JEANNE’S PICK JEANNE’S PICK

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LEARN DEVELOP GROW

NHL star’s wife drops ultra-cool Olympic gear

Not everyone has been loving the Team Canada merch designed by lululemon. Luckily, Ontario’s own Lauren Kyle McDavid — wife of Richmond Hill–born NHL star Connor McDavid — just designed a super trendy alternative. The founder of fashion brand Sports Club Atelier partnered with Hockey Canada to create a line of red-and-white gear that dropped late January, just in time for the Olympics.

white turtleneck detail. All items are designed to be unisex and fit sizes XS to XL. Jackets and sweaters range from $160 to $406, and accessories (trucker caps and toques) go for $48 to $60.

ROMANTIC ROOTS

McDavid founded Sports Club Atelier in late 2024 as an elevated sportswear brand, and since launching, she’s mostly designed pieces that focus on the Edmonton Oilers (the team her husband plays on). So this collection marks a major shift for the brand. Titled the Red & White issue, each piece in the collection features Canada’s signature colours and a vintage-inspired style that may win over fashionable Olympics fans.

The McDavids were set up by Connor’s former teammate T.O.’s Luke Gazdic.

One design in particular may catch the eye of fans of Crave mega-hit hockey show Heated Rivalry The white fleece jacket worn by Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) at the Olympics in the TV series went viral, prompting fans to beg Team Canada to turn the design into real Olympic merch. One of McDavid’s pieces might fill the void for now: her bouclé knit bomber features a white knit fabric similar to fleece and Team Canada and maple leaf branding to boot.

Signature designs include a varsity bomber with Team Canada branded across the front, a chalet-style zip-up sweater and a super cosy speckle knit, with balloon sleeves and a

The timing of this collection means sports fans can snag a retro sweater or hat to cheer on Team Canada at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The Olympics begin Feb. 6. The best part: this is a locally made collection that’s all in Canadian dollars, so no duties and no painful exchange rate! Julia Mastroianni

The Sports Club Atelier collection is called the Red & White Issue

These celebs are obsessed with Toronto vintage

Celebrity style used to mean pulling head-to-toe designer looks straight from the runway or donning the most expensive plain white T you’ve ever seen. But these days, when the coolest Alisters step out now — on the red carpet or just to grab a coffee — they’re doing it in vintage. And stars keep trusting Toronto to source their ’90s Chanel and Prada. These are the city’s archival and vintage sellers who are keeping celebs dressed to impress.

The it-girl magnet

Before opening a permanent shop at 514A Annette St. in 2024, Smoking Vintage founder Alex Dacosta was already known for her archival sourcing skills — Emma Chamberlain counted herself among the many fans of the online shop. Now, with a moody, intimate boutique that features a cosy ’80s couch at the back and vintage fashion magazines and design books, Dacosta can offer a more personalized

shopping experience to interested buyers, celebrity or not (the shop is open by appointment only from Monday to Thursday, with regular hours Friday to Sunday). Those interested shoppers include Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Laufey and apparently even Bella Hadid.

Where stars get streetwear

Partners Madeleine Kalisz and Isabel Kamin started sustainable

fashion brand and vintage showroom Rebalance Vintage (rebalancevintage.com) out of their studio apartment in 2020. Personally sourcing their vintage from rag houses around the GTA, the pair has an eye for what the stars want. Hailey and Justin Bieber seem to have an entire collection of baseball caps from Rebalance (including a vintage Leafs one Hailey wore to a game), and the Jonas Brothers’

tour wardrobe consisted of a ton of graphic T-shirts, leather jackets and hats from the shop. Bad Bunny, Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski have all been spotted in vintage streetwear from the couple.

The NBA’s favourite shop

Best friends Alex Maxamenko and Christian Ferguson have been sourcing second-hand fashion inventory in Toronto since before they could drive — eventually dropping out of university to build an empire of rare archival vintage online. In 2024, that manifested into a physical shop: 20 Maud (located at 20 Maud St.). Offering private appointments, tiered monthly memberships for stylists and a truly staggering amount of rare vintage pieces, it’s no wonder they immediately attracted an A-list crowd. Scottie Barnes is a frequent customer, often wearing his finds during his Raptors tunnel entrance. NBA star and To-

2026 SUMMER CAMPS + PROGRAMS

ronto fashion darling Shai-Gilgeous Alexander has also been known to stop by the shop, as have a whole host of rappers and artists.

Ready for the red carpet

Before archival vintage was what everyone was talking about, there was Shrimpton Couture (shrimptoncouture.com). Started in 2006 by Toronto’s Cherie Balch, the brand is considered the world’s leading online vintage store. Sourcing pieces from every era you can imagine (we’re talking as early as Edwardian), Balch now keeps her massive collection on her own property in northern Ontario. Her eveningwear pulls are all over every red carpet, from Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence to Tracee Ellis Ross and Kaitlyn Dever. Pierre Balmain, Versace, Christian Lacroix, Shrimpton has it all.

—Julia Mastroianni

L–R: Shoppers at Smoking Vintage, an archival display at 20 Maud

CURRENTS

My wife met my work wife: She has questions

Dear Sangita: My wife met my “work wife” for the first time. Now, she has a lot of questions. They met at an office party, and my work wife had maybe too many nice things to say about me. I hadn't ever really mentioned her name to my wife before, but the way she spoke about me, I'm sure my wife picked up on the fact that we're pretty close at work. I thought I was protecting my wife by not telling her too much about her, but now I feel like it's making me look suspicious. What do I do? — Wife crossover

Dear Crossover: There’s something called emotional affairs, and I feel this is what's happening here, even if you may not realize you’re there. I get the sense that you’re getting some emotional needs taken care of with this woman at work, and that’s why you’ve kept your wife in the dark. Women are smart I’m sure your wife picked up on some things in that conversation with your colleague. And I doubt it’s jealousy on your wife’s part; it’s more the fact that you didn’t have the nerve to tell her. If you had told your wife about this work relationship from the beginning when it started, she would have been fine. Now, you’re right: it looks like you had something to hide. So you have to acknowledge everything that’s happening here and come clean about exactly what the dynamic is like with the woman at work. If your wife feels uncomfortable with it, you should pull away from your colleague. Your relationship is only going to get worse, unless you start doing the things you were doing with your “work wife” (whether that’s leaning on her for emotional support or confiding in her) with your actual wife.

Dear Sangita: My sister's boyfriend is going to propose on

Valentine's Day. I feel like I have to warn her. She really loves him, but I can tell she's not exactly there yet, and they're still pretty young. I tried to allude to that to her boyfriend, but he's just too eager and excited to notice. Is it my sisterly duty to give her a heads up? — Proposal patrol

Proposal Patrol: I think there’s a reason he asked you, and it wasn’t for advice. He needed some kind of confirmation that he’s doing the right thing. I’m sure he is excited, but a part of him might get the sense that this is not the right thing to do or the right time. He might have been seeking approval from you, and you didn’t say anything. At this point, you should go to your sister and have a heart-to-heart conversation about how serious the relationship is and figure out if she really does love him and wants to make those kinds of plans with him. I know you already think she doesn’t want this, but it’s worth having this check-in. You don’t need to tell her what’s about to happen, but by talking with her, she may end up figuring it out on her own.

Have a relationship or life question for Sangita? Send it to advice@postcity.com.

SANGITA PATEL is our advice columnist and was previously a host on ET Canada.

Stole his heart: ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ star’s 35-year marriage

Yannick Bisson knows when he has a good thing going — 19 seasons later, he remains the star of Canada’s most-watched scripted series, Murdoch Mysteries. And this year, he also celebrates 35 years of marriage with his wife, Shantelle. Here, they give us the details of their whirlwind romance.

How they met

Yannick: I visited my good friend Bruce Gaunt’s high school in Scarborough, and Shantelle was performing at some of the school shows there. I immediately took notice. Years later, I ended up at a Pepsi audition and in waltzes Shantelle. Turns out we were at the same agency, and we were slotted to go in and read together. And the icing on the cake was that we were supposed to play boyfriend and girlfriend and kiss. So we kissed and we did this audition together! Moral of the story is I didn't get the commercial, but I got the girl.

The first date

Two days later I asked her out. I almost blew it though. The day of the date, I waited too long to call her and confirm the place.

Shantelle: He called me a half hour after we were supposed to be on our date!

Yannick: I told her to head down to Yorkville to Remys, and we had a beautiful dinner there. My two roommates there made it a special night. They served us

alcohol even though we were underage.

The proposal

Shantelle: We moved in together really fast, and for my 19th birthday, he bought me a one carat diamond ring, but just as a gift. And a few months later, I said, “I missed my period, we should probably get a pregnancy test.” It was positive. And Yannick goes, “OK, well, I want to marry you.”

I was, like: “Pump the brakes, we barely know each other!” We thought about it, and ultimately decided to keep what is now our eldest of three daughters. We got very lucky that we were aligned in how we wanted to raise kids. Yannick: This all leads up to a not so great story: we were on the 401 on one of those snowy, terrible days, and I said [holding the ring], “You know what, babe, fine, here it is.” That was my proposal.

The wedding

Yannick: We knew we wanted the party to be the big thing, but we didn’t have money, so we had a Legion Hall–type wedding. And our daughter, when we got married, was 14 months, so she was our mini flower girl. We had a prime rib dinner and a DJ and all our close people and family, and it was just a great party. We went to a Caribbean island for our honeymoon, and it was just not great. I didn’t know how to book these things. Our room was

awful. Shantelle cried; she called her mom! Needless to say, we have had some outstanding vacations to make up for it.

The secret to success

Yannick: Chances are you're always wrong, and she’s always right, and even if that's not true, life will go a lot better if it is. And always buy more flowers than you think you should.

Shantelle: We’re not alike, but we’re still able to compromise and bend. It’s interesting to me that so often people will compromise in their work relationships, but somehow they feel like they have to win at home. If you’re out to win, you’ll always lose.

The future together

Shantelle: Lots of travel. We have so many places we want to check off the list. We also have a big dream about having a chateau in the south of France, a mountain house for skiing. And we’re hopeful for more grandbabies.

L–R: Yannick and Shantelle on their wedding, the couple at a concert

1. Which music act was the first to play at T.O.’s new Rogers Stadium?

A. COLDPLAY

B. STRAY KIDS

C. BLACKPINK

D. OASIS

ANSWER: B

2. Where was the OG Burger’s Priest joint in Toronto located?

6. What sports icon became a part-owner of the Toronto Tempo team?

A. VINCE CARTER

B. SERENA WILLIAMS

C. MILOS RAONIC

D. KIA NURSE

ANSWER: B

11. She was the first Canadian tennis star to win a Grand Slam back in 2019.

ANSWER: Bianca Andreescu

16. What Blue Jays motto was adopted during their 2025 World Series run?

A. BORN READY

B. BELIEVE IN MAGIC

C. BRING IT

D. GAME ON

ANSWER: A

B. YORKVILLE

C. THE BEACH

D. LIBERTY VILLAGE

ANSWER: C A. QUEEN WEST

7. When Summer McIntosh first hit the Olympics, how old was she?

ANSWER: D A. 15 B. 16 C. 18 D. 14

12. Name the two Toronto Raptors who appeared in T.O.’s ‘Nutcracker’ ballet in 2025.

A. SCOTTIE BARNES

B. GRADEY DICK

C. JAMAL SHEAD

D. RJ BARRETT

ANSWER: A & C

17. The iconic sign at Yonge & Dundas is a throwback to which T.O. record store?

3. Which rodents pulled a ‘Bonny and Clyde’ escape at High Park Zoo in 2016?

ANSWER: Capybaras

8. Which Toronto native starred in ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek?’

4. Which TV show shot in T.O. is based on the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid?

5. Which creature did Drake voice in ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’?

B. BRILLIANT MINDS

C. FLASHPOINT

D. HEATED RIVALRY

ANSWER: D A. THE BOYS

9. The name Toronto originated from what Mohawk word?

B: WOOLY MAMMOTH

C: LLAMA

D: SLOTH

ANSWER: B A: TIGER

A. OHÉNHSA

B. KRISTEN WIIG

C. CATHERINE O’HARA

D. ANDREA MARTIN

ANSWER: C A. DAN LEVY

13. Which iconic banger was Davis Schneider’s walk-up song for the Jays?

A. SHAKE IT OFF

B. HOTLINE BLING

C. PINK PONY CLUB

D. DON’T STOP ME NOW

ANSWER: C

18. SCAN FOR VIDEO QUESTION!

C. AWÈ:RI

B. KARÁHKWA

D. TKARONTO

ANSWER: D

14. Who was the ‘Vampire Diaries’ star who grew up in Toronto?

A: NINA DOBREV

B: ROBERT PATTINSON

C: BILLY VAN

D: JAKE EPSTEIN

ANSWER: A

10. What movie, directed by T.O.’s Maggie Kang, set a Netflix streaming record?

ANSWER: KPop Demon Hunters

15. Which Toronto native was the first local to suit up for the Raptors?

B. JAMAAL MAGLOIRE

C. COREY JOSEPH

D. A.J. LAWSON

ANSWER: B A. RJ BARRETT

B. SAM THE RECORD MAN

C. TOWER RECORDS

D. A&A

ANSWER: B A. H&M

ANSWER: Bay

19. Which sport that blew up in the 2000s was invented in Little Italy?

A. CORNHOLE

B. ULTIMATE FRISBEE

C. AXE THROWING

D. SPEED CLIMBING

ANSWER: C

20. Name the only Canadian regular cast member of ‘Stranger Things.’

A. MILLIE BOBBY BROWN

B. NOAH SCHNAPP

C. FINN WOLFHARD

D. SADIE SINK

ANSWER: C

DRAKE CANCELS CONCERT, MISS A TURN

MULTI-PLAYER GAME HOW TO PLAY

For every correct answer move forward one space. If answer is incorrect, the next player can steal. First to the finish line wins!

21. Which Toronto tennis phenom won the National Bank Open final in 2025?

A. LEYLAH FERNANDEZ

B. VICTORIA MBOKO

C. GABRIEL DIALLO

D. LIAM DRAXL

ANSWER: B

26. Red Bull Racing’s F1 team announced a collab with which Toronto brand?

SINGLE-player GAME HOW HIGH IS YOUR CITY IQ?

22. When did the Maple Leafs play their last game at Maple Leafs Gardens ?

0-12 CORRECT: LOCAL YOKEL You’ve got a lot to learn about what makes this city great.

13-25 CORRECT: RIGHTEOUS RESIDENT You might not know everything about T.O. but you’re trying.

26-40 CORRECT: T.O. KNOW-IT-ALL! You live and breathe Toronto, go forth and share your joy!

B. 1999

C. 1976

D. 2019

ANSWER: D A. 2020

27. The TTC subway crash of 1995 was named for which Toronto roadway?

23. What R&B star played a surprise show in Trinity Bellwoods last summer?

ANSWER: Daniel Caesar

24. Theme music from which sitcom is used in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’?

25. Fay De Fazio Ebert was Canada’s youngest at Paris 2024 in what sport?

A. SKATEBOARDING

B. SEINFELD

C. MODERN FAMILY

D. THE OFFICE

ANSWER: B A. FRIENDS

B. SNOWBOARDING

C. SWIMMING

D. RUGBY

ANSWER: A

A. WYCHWOOD

B. PEACE COLLECTIVE

C. OVO

D. CANADA GOOSE

ANSWER: C A. ROOTS

31. Which NBA superstar launched a collab with T.O. brand Canada Goose?

A. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER

B. SCOTTIE BARNES

C. STEPH CURRY

D. KAWHI LEONARD

ANSWER: A

36. Name the 40-hectare park that opened in the city’s Port Lands in 2025.

B. DUNKIP

B. ROSEHILL

C. SUMMERHILL

D. RUSSELL HILL

ANSWER: D

32. What Toronto neighbourhood is low-key famous for the ‘garden car’?

ANSWER: Kensington

28. Which Toronto author wrote ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’?

A. ROBERSTON DAVIES

B. MARGARET ATWOOD

C. TIMOTHY FINDLAY

D. RAWI HAGE

ANSWER: B

29. Which MLS player led the league in goals and assists in the same season?

30. SCAN FOR VIDEO QUESTION!

33. Who was mayor when Toronto declared a COVID19 state of emergency?

37. What’s the name of Drake’s crib up in Toronto’s Bridle Path?

B. DOUG FORD

C. JOHN TORY

D. DAVID MILLER

ANSWER: C A. OLIVIA CHOW

C. SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO

D. OMAR GONZALEZ

ANSWER: C A. JOZY ALTIDORE B. MICHAEL BRADLEY

34. How many Eras Tour concerts did Taylor Swift play in Toronto?

ANSWER: B A. 5

B. 6

C. 4

D. 2

ANSWER: Sphynx

35. What is T.O. tennis star Denis Shapovalov’s creative side hustle?

B. MOTOCROSS

C. RAP

D. SCUBA

ANSWER: C A. KNITTING

C. HEART PARK

D. BIIDAASIGE

ANSWER: D A. SIX POINTS

38. In which year did the 6ix finally get its first legal cannabis store?

B: ADONIS’S HOUSE

C: THE EMBASSY

D: THE VILLA

ANSWER: C A: THE VIEWS

B. 2020

C. 1969

D. 2017

ANSWER: A A. 2019

39. Name the Toronto-shot legal drama in which Meghan Markle appears.

ANSWER: Suits

40. The other Maple Leafs play what sport at Christie Pits every summer?

ANSWER: B A. HACKEY SACK

B. BASEBALL

C. RUGBY

D. SOCCER

1. Which Blue Jays player came within inches of a World Series winning run?

A. BO BICHETTE

B. ERNIE CLEMENT

C. ISIAH KINER-FALEFA

D. LEO JIMENEZ

ANSWER: C

6. Which famous rock musician was busted for heroin at the Toronto Hilton in 1977?

A. KEITH RICHARDS

B. STEVIE NICKS

C. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

D. IGGY POP

ANSWER: A

2. What gothic horror film directed by Guillermo Del Toro was filmed in T.O.?

ANSWER: Frankenstein

11. Name the Canadian sprinter stripped of his gold medal in 1988.

ANSWER: Ben Johnson

16. Ryan Reynolds brought a film about which Toronto comic to TIFF in 2025?

A. EUGENE LEVY

B. JIM CARREY

C. RICHARD PRYOR

D. JOHN CANDY

ANSWER: D

7. The first NBA game ever took place here between Toronto and what team?

3. In 2025 a plane from what airline flipped upside down after crash landing in T.O.?

ANSWER: B A. AIR CANADA

B. DELTA

C. UNITED

D. FLAIR

8. Which famous brand of cough medication was invented in Toronto?

4. Who was the first Swedish player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

A. MATS SUNDIN

B. BÖRJE SALMING

C. PETER FORSBERG

D. NIKLAS LIDSTROM

ANSWER: B

5. Which

B. FRAN’S

C. SENATOR

D. MARS

ANSWER: B A. STEVE’S

B. CELTICS

C. KNICKS

D. LAKERS

ANSWER: C A. 76ERS

12. Which Toronto chef launched a new cooking show on Netflix in 2025?

A. SUSUR LEE

B. CLAUDIO APRILE

C. MATTY MATHESON

D. MICHAEL BONACINI

ANSWER: C

17. Which east end social club won the Grey Cup on two occasions?

9. At which high school did the founding members of Blue Rodeo meet?

B. HALLS

C. BUCKLEY’S

D. BENYLIN

ANSWER: C A. VICKS

13. What was T.O. filmmaker Ivan Reitman’s first directorial effort?

B. NORTH TORONTO

C. ST. MICHAEL’S

D. HARBORD

ANSWER: B A. LEASIDE

14. Which city councillor has already said he’s running for mayor in the 2026 election?

10. This

A. JOHN TORY

B. GHOSTBUSTERS

C. STRIPES

D. TWINS

ANSWER: A A. MEATBALLS

18. At which unique Toronto concert venue did James Brown perform in 1965?

B. BRAD BRADFORD

C. CHRIS MOISE

D. JOSH MATLOW

ANSWER: B

15. What Toronto band included members Neil Young and Rick James?

B. STEPPENWOLF

C. THE SPARROWS

D. MYNAH BIRDS

ANSWER: D A. THE HAWKS

B. BALMY BEACH

C. GREEK CANADIANS

D. SCARBOROUGH

ANSWER: B A. ARGONAUTS

B. ROCKPILE

C. CNE

19. Who wore the last number retired by the Maple Leafs #93 in 2016?

A. WENDEL CLARK

B. DARRYL SITTLER

C. DOUG GILMOUR

D. MIMACOMBO RINK

ANSWER: D A. MASSEY HALL

D. RICK VAIVE

ANSWER: C

20. SCAN FOR VIDEO QUESTION!

ANSWER: Ice Cube

famous historic diner was beloved by pianist Glenn Gould?

Torontonian became Canada’s first supermodel in the ’80s.

ANSWER: Monika Schnarre

MULTI-PLAYER GAME HOW TO PLAY

For every correct answer move forward one space. If answer is incorrect, the next player can steal. First to the finish line wins!

21. Speakers Corner is set to make a comeback at which historic venue?

A. HORSESHOE TAVERN

B. EL MOCAMBO

C. RIVOLI

D. CAMERON HOUSE

ANSWER: B

26. Which iconic Toronto prog rock band announced a comeback in 2025?

B. RUSH

22. Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in which T.O. baseball park?

C. CHRISTIE PITS

SINGLE-player GAME HOW HIGH IS YOUR CITY IQ?

0-12 CORRECT: LOCAL YOKEL You’ve got a lot to learn about what makes this city great.

13-25 CORRECT: RIGHTEOUS RESIDENT You might not know everything about T.O. but you’re trying.

26-40 CORRECT: T.O. KNOW-IT-ALL! You live and breathe Toronto, go forth and share your joy!

B. EXHIBITION STADIUM

D. HANLAN’S POINT

ANSWER: D A. LAMPORT STADIUM

23. What horror movie was shot at a shopping mall in Thornhill?

ANSWER: Dawn of the Dead

27. Which ancient glacial lake was responsible for T.O.’s escarpments?

A. RAVINA

C. MISSISSAUGA

C. DREAM WARRIORS

D. BLIND MELON

ANSWER: B A. TRIUMPH

31. Which rocker was the lead in T.O.’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ in the 1990s?

B. IROQUOIS

D. HURON

ANSWER: B

B. STEVEN PAGE

C. BON JOVI

D. BRET MICHAELS

ANSWER: A A. PAUL STANLEY

36. In 1909, Toronto's Tommy Ryan invented what leisure activity?

A. FIVE-PIN BOWLING

B. TABLE TENNIS

C. LAWN DARTS

D. CROQUET

ANSWER: A

32. Name the planetarium famous for the Laser Floyd shows in the ’80s.

ANSWER: McLaughlin Planetarium

37. Which fancy hotel is built on the city of Toronto’s former gallows?

B. ROYAL YORK

C. RITZ CARLTON

D. FOUR SEASONS

ANSWER: A A. KING EDWARD

24. Which iconic landmark is featured in the movie ‘X-Men’ as the school?

28. Which T.O. nabe declared its independence from Canada in 1967?

25. From which sport did the Toronto Argos derive its name?

B. BRICK WORKS

C. WYCHWOOD BARNS

D. OSGOODE HALL

ANSWER: A A. CASA LOMA

29. Rosedale Golf Club used what to cut the grass during the World War II?

B. HOCKEY

C. LACROSSE

D. ROWING

ANSWER: D A. RUGBY

C. PARKDALE

B. ARMOUR HEIGHTS

D. RATHNELLY

ANSWER: D A. ROSEDALE

33. Name the finance guru starring in ‘Marty Supreme’ with Timothée Chalamet.

30. SCAN FOR VIDEO QUESTION!

C. COWS

B. SHEEP

D. LLAMAS

ANSWER: A A. GOATS

34. Which comedian appeared on SNL wearing a Canada Is Not For Sale T-shirt?

ANSWER: Hanlan’s

B. MICHELE ROMANOW

C. KEVIN O’LEARY

D. WES HALL

ANSWER: C A. MARK CUBAN

38. Where did the Toronto Raptors play their first home game?

A. AIR CANADA CENTRE

B. SKYDOME

C. SCOTIABANK ARENA

D. MAPLE LEAF GARDEN

ANSWER: B

35. Which music icon bought a penthouse on King West ?

B. MIKE MYERS

C. MARTIN SHORT

D. STEVE MARTIN

ANSWER: B A. MARK CARNEY

39. In which sport did Keanu Reeves excel while growing up in Toronto?

ANSWER: Hockey

DATE NIGHT AT A MICHELIN RESTO, MOVE AHEAD A SPACE

B. BILLY JOEL

C. ANDY KIM

D. ELTON JOHN

ANSWER: D A. DRAKE

40. Which Toronto nabe is North America’s largest car-free urban hood?

B. KENSINGTON

C. TRINITY BELLWOODS

D. WARD’S ISLAND

ANSWER: D A. HIGH PARK

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Food

Wok this way into the Lunar

New Year SECTION

As the Year of the Fire Horse kicks off on Feb. 17, Chinatown’s OG spots are more than ready to roll. House of Gourmet (484 Dundas St. W.) — known affectionately to regulars as "the Hog" — has been holding court for more than 30 years. Its massive room swallows you whole, the menu split across multiple booklets like some delicious choose-your-own-adventure. Open into the early hours, it remains one of the last true late-night sanctuaries in a rapidly shifting neighbourhood. A perfect stop to show your family the roots and traditions of Chinatown’s grand dames. Then there’s Swatow (309 Spadina Ave.), dishing out delicious Cantonese for more than four decades. Expect a bustling room, lightning-fast service and portions that don’t mess around. Shrimp wonton soup or a mountain of General Tso’s — it’s a rite of passage you pass down from generation to generation. For Vietnamese, Phở Hưng (350 Spadina Ave.) has been a family-run powerhouse since 1985. It’s a natural stop for Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) — the pho, spring rolls and all the familiar flavours are balanced and delicious whether it’s your first visit or your 50th.

Clockwise from left: dishes from Phở Hưng, staff at Swatow, Phở Hưng’s familiar storefront

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How Ryan Baddeley built Badiali into T.O.’s premier pizza corner

Toronto’s pizza scene has changed a lot in the last few years, and Ryan Baddeley has had a front-row seat. The co-owner of Badiali has spent the past decade turning simple slices into something of a citywide obsession, from collabs with Miss Vickie’s to his new flagship in Mirvish Village. We caught up with Baddeley to talk trends, his go-to spots around the city and what he reaches for when he’s not eating pizza.

How has the city’s pizza scene changed since Badiali opened?

I think that we’ve influenced a few great new shops to open and serve great slices. It was definitely something that was lacking in the city previously, and I think it has definitely become more accessible in a lot of neighbourhoods.

Is there one milestone that stands out as your proudest so far? It’s pretty tough to choose, especially with our beautiful upcoming new space, but probably our recent collab with Miss Vickie’s on the vodka pizza flavour. Beyond serving some great pizza, this was just never something I ever could have dreamed of.

What can you tell us about the new location?

FAST FACTS

NAME: Ryan Baddeley

THE PEDIGREE:

Alum of Bar Isabel, Bar Raval

GLOBAL RANK:

Number 32 in the world

(The Best Chef Awards 2024)

PERSONAL ORDER:

A classic margherita or the norcina

It’s designed by Future Studios and takes inspiration from old European cafés and restaurants, with lots of beautiful tiling and wood accents. It will be the same slice shop concept as our Dovercourt location but will also have more indoor and outdoor seating.

Martinis & fries are the new adult Happy Meal

The Midday Pour

Why wait for happy hour when you can have a martini for lunch? The Joneses is making the Tinis & Taters life a daily reality with a $20 all-day special that’s hard to beat. You pick your fighter from five classic styles — whether you’re a dirty olive fan or a Gibson onion purist — and it’ll come served up icecold alongside a pile of hot truffle fries. 33 Yonge St.

The Ossington Beat

Monday night at Ossington favourite Azhar is basically a salt-rimmed middle finger to the work week. The bar keeps that fire-driven energy going with $10 martinis and $8 crispy za’atar fries with garlic aïoli while DJ Mar spins. It’s exactly where you want to be when you aren’t ready for the weekend to end. 96 Ossington Ave.

What are your favourite pizza spots in the city?

I’m a huge fan of a lot of Toronto pizza spots. I love Bar Sugo and think Terroni still makes a great pizza. For a slice, I recently tried Nice Slice, which was great.

When you’re not eating pizza, what are you craving?

Probably Asian food. I think it’s the Toronto in me. And it’s the food I miss the most when I’m away. Probably a bowl of pho or some Chinatown dumplings.

Are you pro or con pineapple on pizza?

Definitely pro because sometimes it’s just what you want, and that’s OK. It doesn’t have to be more than that.

What’s the best soda with pizza?

Hands down, Brio. Beyond being an iconic Toronto soda, it’s just really delicious and pairs so well with pizza. —Erica Commisso

The Yorkville Glow Yorkville’s favourite Victorian house just got a massive glow up with Bar Reyna’s Golden Hour deals. Snag a $14 martini and pair it with Bar Reyna’s $10 fries, with Spanish, Greek or Arabic flavours. Head to the year-round back patio for a Mediterranean escape that feels way more expensive than it actually is. 158 Cumberland St.

Three places serving Toronto’s

Badiali co-owner Ryan Baddeley

THERE CANNOLI BE ONE GOLD-MEDAL WINNER

As the 2026 Winter Olympics descend on Milan and Cortina, Italy becomes the centre of the sporting universe. Naturally, we’re hosting our own event a cannoli showdown. From shells that snap like a perfect triple axel to fillings that land somewhere between decadent and disciplined, we’re doling out gold, silver and bronze to the cannoli that truly stick the landing.

RICOTTA ROCKET: “This filling tastes like proper ricotta, with curds adding a subtle hint of lemon,” Anthony said, impressed by the balance. “This one’s the best — perfectly crisp shell and just sweet enough,” Rosa added. Cataldi, 140 Woodbridge Ave., Vaughan, $2.75/each

CITRUS SLALOM: Anthony thought the cannoli was very fresh, with a crisp shell and balanced, subtle ricotta notes Rosa agreed. “This one is nice — good texture, not too sweet and very elegant,” she said. North Pole Bakery, 1210 Danforth Ave., $18/four

Chef Anthony Rose runs Fat Pasha; Rosa Marinuzzi crafts soulful Southern Italian dishes at 7 Numbers.

SHELL SPIN: Anthony found Tre Mari’s cannoli “cute,” though he thought the shell was slightly overcooked. Rosa enjoyed it overall. “The shell snaps nicely. It’s delicate and looks very pretty on the plate,” she said. Tre Mari, 1311 St. Clair Ave. W., $10.50/three

CUSTARD CURL:

Anthony found the custard filling a touch dense. “Almost floury, a bit too much cream,” he said. Rosa was a fan.“It’s rich, but I like the texture, and that little hit of orange really lifts it,” she said. Eataly, 55 Bloor St. W., $32.90/four

DOLCE DASH: “The shell is solid, maybe just a touch overcooked,” said Anthony. Rosa was impressed with the filling and garnish. “The chocolate is rich and flavourful, and it looks really nice on the plate,” she said. Mizzica, 2375 Yonge St., $11/two

SPICE SPRINT: Anthony found the cinnamon and nutmeg in the filling a bit strong, almost overpowering, but appreciated the shell’s crunch. Rosa nodded. “A little much on the spice, but the cinnamon is warm and cosy,” she said. San Remo, 374 Royal York Rd., $3.75/each

SILVER

BRONZE

GOLD

Roe play: The new rules of caviar

Four amazing Toronto spots putting luxury on the menu

By Jennifer Schembri

If you still think caviar requires a quiet room and a dress code, you haven’t been eating in Toronto lately. It’s showing up on bar menus, snack plates and late-night orders, treated less like a luxury item and more like an ingredient. Chefs are putting it on comfort food and shared plates — places where the salt, texture and fat actually do something useful.

The shift is straightforward. Smaller portions mean you can order caviar for the price of a regular appetizer, without the ceremony. It’s still indulgent, but it’s easier to approach and easier to enjoy.

On King West at Maxime’s You can’t go to a restaurant in this city right now without seeing burrata on the menu. It’s the default order for the table, mostly because it’s hard to mess up a ball of creamfilled cheese. Because it’s everywhere, though, it’s starting to feel predictable.

At Maxime’s, they change the context. The room is dark, the music is loud and the crowd skews late. There’s a traditional caviar service if you want to go all out, but the

more interesting move is the burrata topped with Ossetra caviar for $39.

Burrata is rich, but it can be flat on its own. The Ossetra cuts through with salt and texture. Unlike cheaper roe, the pearls are firm and slightly nutty, so they don’t disappear into the cream — you actually notice them. It’s the experience of ordering caviar but eating it with a fork and sharing over drinks.

staple topped with high-end roe. It takes the stiffness out of the caviar and makes a basic nugget feel like the best thing you've eaten all week. 472 Queen St. W.

Over in the Financial District

Corndogs + Caviar in Yorkville

77 Portland St.

Bar bites on Queen West

If you want to see how far the city is willing to push this idea, go to BarChef. This is the Queen West bar known for being deliberately experimental, so chicken nuggets topped with caviar feel on-brand.

The dish pairs fried nuggets with royal sturgeon caviar, sour cream and an apricot sweetand-sour sauce. The caviar matters here. Royal sturgeon is smooth and buttery, which works with a salty, fried snack instead of competing with it.

You’re sitting in one of the best cocktail bars in Toronto, sipping something complex from Frankie Solarik’s program and eating a childhood

The Chase is about as classic as the Financial District gets. It’s on the fifth floor of the historic Dineen Building, with white tablecloths and a terrace overlooking the city. Normally, this is exactly where caviar feels formal. Instead of a tin on ice, the Chase is serving a $37 caviar and oyster shooter. You get two oysters topped with potato emulsion, crème fraîche and a scoop of caviar. Most shooters in this city are just oysters floating in spicy tomato juice. This one is much different. The potato emulsion and cream give the caviar something to sit on, so you can actually taste it. The oyster is clean and briny, the caviar deeper and nuttier. You’re ordering two of the most expensive things on the menu and finishing them in a few seconds, which feels completely unexpected in a room like this. 10 Temperance St.

Yorkville is the last place you’d expect to find a fairground staple, but Jade on Avenue Road is serving a Corndog & Caviar offering. This spot is known for its French-Asian fusion and a monochromatic green interior full of marble and velvet, but the menu doesn't take itself too seriously, mixing playful, elevated flavours with unexpected combinations. The $38 mash-up uses a smoked farmer sausage and mozzarella instead of a standard hot dog, topped with white sturgeon caviar, honey mustard and spicy mayo.

The white sturgeon caviar is mild and clean, which keeps it from getting drowned out by the smoky sausage or the heat from the mayo. This isn't a dish you eat with a pearl spoon. You’re essentially eating a messy, fried snack with your hands in a room that looks like a jewelry box. It’s a contrast that works because the kitchen focuses on the execution of the flavours rather than trying to make the dish more formal than it needs to be. 137 Avenue Rd.

CAVIAR SPECIALISTS

POWDER ROOM

Michelin-recognized chef Davide Ciavattella serves couture-style junk food, from classic beluga to wagyu “pups.” Unapologetically extra — you might even order a caviar bump off a gold spoon while glancing at a $35K Banksy in the bathroom.

129 Yorkville Ave.

THE

ONE CAVIAR BAR

This spot gave Yorkville a caviar-and-champagne bunker, from $40 10 gram tins of Imperial Crystal to dishes like caviar-topped cheesecake. A $100 membership gets you 30 per cent off — basically a “frequent flyer” program for sturgeon fans.

1 Yorkville Ave.

Clockwise from left: Jade, BarChef, Maxime’s

FOOD

Schoo The Toronto Prep

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T.O.'s top foodie shares his Super Bowl picks

Toronto food influencer Rick Silver (@dicksworld) is calling the plays that matter. He’s rounding up the best eats for Super Bowl Sunday on Feb.8 perfect for anyone who cares more about the food than the final score. When Rick talks, the city listens.

1. Allwyn's Jerk Just because I don’t post about it every week, doesn’t mean I’m not eating it. Allwyn's is on that rotation. The jerk chicken sandwich is a must — amp it up and get it “stuffed” with a Jamaican patty. Grab some platters, dreamy coco buns and a pack of patties. With six GTA locations, there’s one near you.

The Rating: 7.8/10

Last Bite: Don’t miss the oxtail.

2. Maker Pizza

Game day and pizza go hand in hand. Sure, there are a million places to order, but I keep coming back to Maker. I love the new tavern-style cut, and the seeded crust is the only way I eat crust. Forget New York style — this is Toronto style, and I’m all in.

The Rating: 8.8/10

Last Bite: Skip Uber and order on their app for a bigger selection.

3. Crown & Dragon

When it comes to wings, there’s an undisputed champion that’s been around for decades. I don’t know how they do it, but their wings and flavour selection are second to none. Skip the fryer — they’ll bake them for a healthier, justas-delicious option. There’s only one location, so for game day, order well in advance. 890 Yonge St.

The Rating: 9.3/10

Last Bite: Don’t wait for the two minute warning.

4. Limon

Your guests are probably expecting the usual pizza and wings. Surprise them with a Middle Eastern feast from Limon. Plenty of sharable dishes — shish kebabs, beef, lamb, chicken, falafel and some of the best dips in town. The Freekeh Mujadara? Freaking awesome. Locations in midtown (3265 Yonge St.) and the Beaches (1968 Queen St. E.)

The Rating: 9/10

Last Bite: Don’t skip the home fries.

L-R: Maker Pizza’s a la Norma, Limon’s salati and pita chips

RICK SILVER is a Toronto food

Nadège shares her latest venture

After nearly two decades spent defining Toronto’s dessert scene, Nadège Nourian is finally letting us in on what she eats for dinner. Since her minimalist flagship first landed at Trinity Bellwoods in 2009, she has single-handedly dragged the city away from sugar-coated nostalgia and into the precise world of modern French pâtisserie.

But as of Feb. 6, the Queen West spot officially evolved into Chez Nad by Nadège — a total reimagining of the space as an all-day “culinary maison.”

The transformation is more than just a name change. The back of 780 Queen St. W. has

been completely gutted and reborn as a sleek, seated bistro. It’s a space designed to bridge the gap between your morning caffeine fix and late-night bites and cocktails. It feels less like a gallery now and more like a home, trading the stark white walls of the 2010s for soft woods and communal tables. By night, the room turns moody and low-lit, the morning espresso hum replaced by the clink of martini glasses.

Although Nadège is a fourthgeneration pastry prodigy, her time in Michelin-starred kitchens means she’s just as comfortable with salt as she is

with sugar. Teaming up with chef Laura Maxwell, they’re bringing bistronomie to the neighbourhood — which essentially means world-class food without the stuffy white tablecloths.

Mini quenelles Lyonnaises and ravioles du Dauphiné sit alongside clever takes on French staples: a salade Niçoise crudo style, cordon bleu as a crisp fried chicken and escargots finished with light parsley foam instead of heavy garlic butter.

It’s sophisticated, but it’s food you actually want to eat every day.

Jennifer Schembri

Little Italy gem reinvents itself

Vinoteca Pompette embraced a “new year, new me” reset, kicking off 2026 by transforming the ItalianFrench eatery into an aperitivo bar with a new space, a new menu and a new name.

Head sommelier Jonathan Bauer says Little Italy’s Bar Allegro is closer to the original vision he, chef Martine Bauer and head bartender Maxime Hoerth had when they opened what was then called Pompette in 2020. Originally conceived as a simple cocktail and wine bar with snacks, the concept was reshaped into a French restaurant by the pandemic.

The team is no stranger to rebrands. Just a year and a half ago, Pompette became Vinoteca Pompette, marked by its now-iconic green exterior. The shift aimed to soften the French fine-dining feel with a more accessible approach and stronger Italian flavours on the menu.

“Because we’re a corner unit, we get a lot of walkins, so we wanted something more approachable that could better suit spontaneous visits,” says Bauer. The name pays homage to its roots, as “allegro” is often used in Italian to mean feeling “tipsy” after a drink — just as “pompette” means the same in French.

Although Bauer remains tight-lipped about the details of the menu, he says it will be elevated, drawing from Italian influences alongside a range of other flavour profiles. Expect bar favourites — savoury, cheesy and fried — designed for easy, shared snacking.

“What we’re most excited about is building a place where people want to come a few times a week and really make it their own.”

Bar Allegro is located at 597 College St.

Megan Gallant

L-R: Nadège Nourian, rendering of Chez Nad by Nadège

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Chef who fed Drake opens new Bajan spot

From pop-ups to the Harbourfront Centre and now Kensington Market — Bim Street Eats has been spreading the soul of Bajan food across Toronto.

Sharing the flavours of Barbados, Bim Street Eats is the brainchild of chef Aiko Rudder-Jones, who moved to Toronto in 2013. Though she initially planned to pursue soccer (or football, as she calls it), she soon found her calling in bringing the Caribbean dishes she grew up with to the city.

“When I moved here, there was nowhere I could really find the food I grew up eating in Barbados,” she says. “Food is such a big way to hold onto a piece of home — it’s what you know and what means something to you. That’s where the inspiration for Bim Street Eats came from. There just weren’t any Bajan restaurants in Toronto.”

including the president of Barbados, Michelle Obama and Drake.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Rudder-Jones dove headfirst into the business, taking online orders, catering events and hosting pop-ups to share her take on Bajan street food before landing a summer-long residency at Harbourfront Centre in 2025.

NOTABLE NAMES

Rudder-Jones landed rare opportunities cooking at events for Michelle Obama and Drake.

Now at 210 Augusta Ave., Rudder-Jones’s soulful menu features classics like macaroni pie, BBQ chicken and wings, crispy fish cakes and fried breadfruit — a starchy tropical fruit and a Caribbean staple. Plan your visit for a Saturday, when pudding and souse are served on their traditional day.

The cuisine can be paired with traditional drinks, including the coconut punch and mauby, a bittersweet drink made from the bark of a tree.

Before launching Bim Street Eats, while studying culinary management at George Brown College, Rudder-Jones says she was “very lucky” to build connections that led to cooking at events for high-profile figures,

“People are very excited to have a taste of Barbados in the city. I get a lot of support from not only my Bajans, but from people all over the Caribbean,” she says.

Megan Gallant

L-R: Owner-chef Aiko Rudder-Jones, dishes from Bim Street Eats

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Aby Balakumar Allay LLP allayllp.ca 416-864-3273

Denise Batac Crowe Soberman LLP crowe.com 416-963-7148

Frank Bilotta SBLR LLP sblr.ca 647-476-2378

Fei Cao

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Saverio Ferrara

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Jessica Glendinning

McGovern Hurley LLP mcgovernhurley.com 416-496-1234

Robert Gold

Bennett Gold bennettgold.ca 416-449-2249

Michael Jacobson

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Gordon Jessup

Fuller Landau LLP fullerllp.com 416-645-6508

Rebecca Kudlow

Kudlow Ye Professional Corporation kudlowye.com 416-924-8150

Michael McCleave

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Glen McFarland McGovern Hurley LLP mcgovernhurley.com 416-496-1234

Randy O'Malley Yoannou & Associates CPA's LLP yoannouandassociates.com 437-915-9393

Joel Orenstein

Joel Orenstein MBA CPA joelorenstein.ca 416-466-9474

Nishant Patel

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Sabrina Polletti Fuller Landau LLP fullerllp.com 416-645-6579

Rhonda Pomerantz

Miller Bernstein millerbernstein.com 416-482-7055

Frank Portugias

Bennett Gold bennettgold.ca 416-449-2249

Jeremy Shanfield Miller Bernstein millerbernstein.com 416-482-7055

Sheldon Shoib Fuller Landau LLP fullerllp.com 416-645-6540

Jagroop Singh Jag Singh CPS Professional Corporation jagsinghcpa.ca 647-280-0237

Leonard Szymanski

Leonard J. Szymanski CPA Professional Corporation 416-490-7675

Shafi Warraich CoPilot Tax copilottax.ca 289-497-1059

Peter Weissman Cadesky Tax cadesky.com 416-644-1481

Jim Witty

Miller Bernstein millerbernstein.com 416-482-7055

Jimmy Ye Kudlow Ye Professional Corporation kudlowye.com 416-924-8150

John Yoannou Yoannou & Associates CPA's LLP yoannouandassociates.com 437-915-9393

Leonard Zuk

Gardner Zuk Dessen gzd.ca 416-631-9800

y Estate Trust Tax

Chen Chen

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

JEFF

Clarity Amid Complexity

Jessica Davis

FK LLP Chartered Professional Accountants

fkllp.ca

416-920-7264

Cindy Dong KPMG Canada linkedin.com/cindydong 416-777-8500

Joe Gervasi

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Anna Gordon Clark & Horner Chartered Professional Accountants clarkandhorner.com 416-850-3136

Rick Grewal Grewal Guyatt LLP grewalguyatt.ca 905-597-1701

Saqib Hussain Sprackman Terrence LLP sprackmanterrence.ca 416-467-6984

Mac Killoran FK LLP Chartered Professional Accountants fkllp.ca 416-920-7270

Ryan Knight Allay LLP allayllp.ca 416-864-3270

Toronto’s TOP ACCOUNTANTS 2026

Sloan Levett

Fuller Landau LLP fullerllp.com 416-645-6581

Thomas Edward (Ted) Masters

Palmer Reed linkedin.com 416-599-9186

Adam Morke

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Cheryl Ng Fuller Landau LLP fullerllp.com 416-645-6573

Alexandra Spinner Crowe Soberman LLP crowe.com 416-963-7129

Patricia Terrence Sprackman Terrence LLP sprackmanterrence.ca 416-467-6984

Derek Wagar FK LLP Chartered Professional Accountants fkllp.ca 416-920-5115

Bruce Young Collective Agreement collectiveagreement.ca 416-968-0200

y Forensic Accounting

Kelly Khalilieh

McGovern Hurley LLP mcgovernhurley.com 416-496-1234

y Insolvency & Restructuring

Rajeev Jain Tobey and Jain CPA 416-222-0600

Jeffery Kerbel

Fuller Landau LLP fullerllp.com 416-417-0423

Tom McElroy

Albert Gelman Inc albertgelman.com 416-504-1650

Joshua Samson

Fuller Landau LLP fullerllp.com 416-645-6535

y International Tax

Cary Heller RSM Canada LLP rsmcanada.com 416-480-0160

Anastasia Lambrinos Richter LLP richter.ca 514-583-0569

Shawn Lee McGovern Hurley LLP mcgovernhurley.com 416-496-1234

John Mendis McGovern Hurley LLP mcgovernhurley.com 416-496-1234

Gregory Synanidis RSM Canada LLP rsmcanada.com 416-480-0160

y Personal Tax

Isaac Altberg Lipton LLP liptonllp.com 416-496-2900

Sunita Arora Lipton LLP liptonllp.com 416-496-2900

Alexandra Batelli Richter LLP richter.ca 514-908-3936

Andrea Benaim Temple & Co templecpas.com 416-785-5071

Michael Cadesky Cadesky Tax cadesky.com 416-498-1485

Randy Chana DNTW dntw.com 416-924-4900

Stephanie Jindal SBLR LLP sblr.ca 647-476-2271

Michael Katz FK LLP Chartered Professional Accountants fkllp.ca 416-920-7799

Gary Kudlow Kudlow Ye Professional Corporation kudlowye.com 416-924-8150

Derek Leighton Chapman Welton LLP cw.cpa 416-488-6275

Jason Liau Chapman Welton LLP cw.cpa 416-488-6275

David Lugassy FinancePal Canada 647-771-7737

Ryan Meggeson Chapman Welton LLP cw.cpa 416-488-6275

Simon Noronha Clark & Horner Chartered Professional Accountants clarkandhorner.com 416-850-2872

MICHAEL HUMMEL

NANCY THANDI

CHRISTOPHER ROLLE

ANDREA BENAIM

Wendy Papernick

Lipton LLP

liptonllp.com

416-496-2900

Gus Patel

K & P CPAs kpcpa.ca 416-440-1600

John Quilty

Koster, Spinks & Koster LLP ksk.ca 416-489-8100

Stephen Rice FK LLP Chartered Professional Accountants flip.ca 416-920-3434

Toronto’s TOP ACCOUNTANTS 2026

Marlene Saraiva DNTW dntw.com 416-924-4900

Natalie Semerdji

K & P CPAs kpcpa.ca 416-440-1600

Gordon Shearer RSM Canada LLP linkedin.com 416-480-0160

Dan Shereck Akler Browning LLP aklerbrowning.com/contact 416-646-5785

Dean Travis Smith Cadesky Tax

TOP ACCCONTING FIRMS METHODOLOGY - To compile the list, the magazine partnered with DataJoe Research, a specialized software and research company. DataJoe Research utilized a systematic and transparent methodology to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and credibility of the results. The process began with DataJoe conducting extensive data collection from publicly available resources, including the CPA Ontario website, to gather accurate and verifiable information about firms employing CPAs in Toronto. DataJoe identified and analyzed the number of CPAs associated with each firm, specifically filtering to those based in Toronto. Firms were then ranked based on the total number

cadesky.com 416-644-1182

Nancy Tavoukdjian Richter LLP richter.ca 514-908-3786

Neal Temple Temple & Co templecpas.com 416-785-5071

Rakshit Upadhyay

Stern Cohen Accountants sterncohen.com 416-967-5100

Jason Wein Rapkin Wein LLP rapkinwein.com 416-231-1819

of Toronto-based CPAs, with only those employing at least four CPAs in the Toronto area qualifying for inclusion. DataJoe implemented rigorous verification throughout the process to ensure data integrity and consistency. Finally, the compiled rankings were submitted to the magazine for review and validation. The magazine conducted an editorial assessment to confirm the results and make any necessary adjustments before final publication.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume,

Gordon Welton Chapman Welton LLP

cw.cpa 416-488-6275

Christopher Wetzel Chapman Welton LLP cw.cpa 416-488-6275

y RISK MANAGEMENT

Shaweta Roopra RSM Canada LLP linkedin.com 416-480-0160

y Transaction Advisory / Mergers & Acquisitions

Adam Caplan Richter LLP richter.ca 514-934-3512

and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

Final note. We recognize that there are many good accountants who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region.

Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

Jeffery Brockman FK LLP Chartered Professional Accountants fkllp.ca 416-920-7271

Erica Fu RBC Wealth Management rbcwealthmanagement.com

James Knight RSM Canada LLP linkedin.com 416-480-0160

Nancy Thandi Cadesky Tax cadesky.com 416-594-9500

Post City and Streets of Toronto are mindful that many Toronto residents face financial challenges, and that access to money management skills, literacy and support is something that everyone deserves. We have made a donation on behalf of this year's accountants to the following community organization that provides financial education and counselling to families and low income Torontonians: woodgreen.org

T.O. RETRO ROMANCE

Before you go... take a look back at a time when Valentine’s plans were made IRL (in real life).

Before 'U up?' killed the vibe, a Toronto Valentine’s actually required some legwork. It was an era of stiff martinis, sky-high heels and enough heavy flirting to fill a Jarvis Street estate. From leather-clad dives to the glitter-soaked temples of Yorkville, these are the legendary spots where the nights ran long and the stories ran wild.

Julie’s Mansion Restaurant

Before it became the city’s most famous Keg, the Jarvis Street estate was known as Julie’s in the early ’60s, where you’d dine downstairs before heading up for drinks at the Bombay Bicycle Club.

Le Coq d'Or Tavern

A hot spot in the ‘60s and ‘70s and known as the rowdy soul of Yonge Street, it was the kind of place where you’d grab a drink, catch a show and end up flirting with a stranger over the sound of a live band.

The Gasworks

The spot for a crowd that preferred leather to lace, this Yonge Street haunt was loud, drenched in heavy metal energy and the place to be if you wanted a date that was anything but boring.

Ed's Warehouse

This legendary spot was known for its velvet decor and strict dress code, complete with sports coats handed out at the door. A gorgeous, kitschy maze of antiques, it was the ultimate backdrop for a fancy night out.

The Copa Toronto’s answer to Studio 54, this Yorkville spot had glass-walled lounges overlooking a stadium-sized dance floor, where the city’s most stylish crowd danced until 3 a.m.

La Pentola Restaurant

A classic Italian escape where you could actually dine inside a vintage TTC streetcar. It featured a cocktail bar where the driver used to sit, making for a cosy, unconventional mid-century romance.

©Julie Levene courtesy of Barry Harris

EXECUTIVE HOME ON TUDOR GATE

Updated bungalow on exceptional 70 X 146’ St. Andrew-Windfields lot.

Offered at $5,380,000

HOGGS HOLLOW RAVINE PROPERTY

5 SULGRAVE CRESCENT Offered at $2,880,000 Reno or build new on this outstanding ravine & park-like 108’ x 160’ lot.

Offered at $7,785,000

COVETED ST. ANDREWS CORNER Offered at $4,980,000

Stunningly renovated home. Modern design. Lush private yard w/pool.

BRIDLE PATH ELEGANCE

Offered at $9,880,000

Architecturally stunning w/high-end imported finishes. Entertainer’s lwr lvl.

Designed by Richard Wengle, built by Northdrive. Hotel-like amenities.

ROAD