One of Toronto’s most rarefied tasting-menu rooms, helmed by two of the world’s most esteemed chefs, appears to be entering a new era. The restaurant formerly known as LSL at 2066 Avenue Rd in North York is rebranding as Onze.
“Onze means ‘eleven’ in French. 11 seats. 11 Moments,” the restaurant wrote as part of a series of Instagram posts on Thursday. “The number 11 represents more than structure — it reflects our pursuit of refinement beyond the expected. Just past ten, just before twelve: a point of balance where attention deepens and time slows. We believe true luxury lies in care, restraint, and thoughtful detail. That’s why each course is called a “moment,” unfolding one at a time, following our 11 principles.”
Google still lists the Avenue Rd address as LSL, and the restaurant’s reservation page remains live under the LSL name, so the rebrand seems to be taking place in stages rather than overnight.
Toronto first got to know LSL (short for Le Squer, Saito and Leroy) in 2024, as part of a collaboration between world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs Christian Le Squer, Masaki Saito and Didier Leroy. The nine-seat tasting counter near Avenue and Wilson was celebrated for its fusion of French and Japanese techniques and ingredients. Michelin later praised the North York spot’s luxurious counter, premium Japanese seafood and produce, as well as signatures like tomato with tuna and caviar, while Canada’s 100 Best included LSL on its 2025 Best New Restaurants list.
Last November, the restaurant wrote on Instagram that, after 50 years in the kitchen, Chef Leroy was stepping back to focus on mentoring the next generation. Since the second “L” in LSL stood for Leroy, a rebrand makes total sense!
Hints about Onze have been dropping since the start of the year, with Instagram posts teasing the remaining marquee chefs using playful lines like “Christian Le Squer is cooking” and “Masaki Saito is cooking.”
Onze hasn’t yet published a full public menu, but we know that the restaurant will be guided by the philosophies of Le Squer and Saito, so guests can expect seasonal ingredients grown on a farm, no fillers, and “an evolving menu that shifts with season and service.”
As of publication, there’s no word yet on when the rebrand will be complete, but follow @restaurantonze for updates!
LSL/Onze is located at 2066 Avenue Rd, North York.
March Break is here and an indoor water park is a great option for Toronto and area families.
The weather has been a bit all over the place lately, making indoor water parks feel especially appealing. Whether it’s a rainy spring weekend or a frigid, icy day, these indoor parks are typically open year-round and make for an easy family getaway. The biggest options are in Niagara Falls, but there are also smaller, splashier escapes in Blue Mountain, Windsor, and even downtown Toronto! Here are some of the best indoor water parks to visit year-round in Ontario.
Great Wolf Lodge is Ontario’s best pick if you’re looking for a full indoor water park fantasy! The indoor park spans 100,000 square feet and stays at a balmy 28 degrees Celsius year-round, with highlights like the Rainbow Lake wave pool, Chinook Cove and the four-storey Fort Mackenzie water treehouse, as well as bigger thrill slides like the Canada Vortex and Wolf Tail. This is more of a Niagara resort rather than a casual drop-in stop, but water-park access is included with overnight stays, so go all out and make it a weekend getaway with the fam. 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls.
Fallsview Waterpark is another great Niagara pick, especially if you want to be in the midst of the city’s busiest tourist zone. Guests can expect 125,000 square feet of indoor family fun, with 16 waterslides, a full-sized wave pool, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket and two adult-only Jacuzzis! It’s directly tied into the Falls Avenue resort area, with indoor walkway connections to hotels like Sheraton Fallsview, so you can do the whole Niagara Falls experience in between water activities. 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls.
Waves is much smaller than the Niagara heavyweights above, but it has one major feature that makes it stand out: it’s Niagara’s only indoor waterpark attraction with a retractable roof, so the space feels a whole lot brighter and open compared with some of its counterparts! The park has more than 25,000 square feet of waterpark space, boasting a wave pool, water slides up to three storeys high, a kiddie pool and a giant tipping bucket. If you just want to visit for a few hours, the waterpark accepts day visitors in addition to overnight guests. Americana Conference Resort Spa and Waterpark,8444 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls, ON.
Moving on from the Falls, Plunge! is the best splashy add-on to a Collingwood or Blue Mountain Village getaway. The aquatic centre has heated indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, a rope swing, slides and even an indoor water playground for younger swimmers. The current single-use ticket grants one entry with a two-hour time limit, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day of skiing or shopping. 220 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains.
So, this isn’t technically a full water park, but if you’re looking for a downtown Toronto staycation where kids can tear down a waterslide in the middle of the city, then the Chelsea Hotel is worth a look. The hotel’s family recreation area, The Hive, includes a family pool and Toronto’s only 130-foot indoor Corkscrew waterslide, along with kid- and teen-focused spaces like The Workshop and The Studio! 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto.
Adventure Bay offers more than 35,000 square feet of indoor water fun in downtown Windsor, with attractions like the FlowRider, lazy river, Master Blaster, Splash Zone, The Python, wave pool and Whizzard, as well as a three-level dry land attraction for kids where air-powered cannons shoot foam balls into the air! Because it’s not tied to a resort, it makes for a perfect day trip. Or if the weather is awesome, pair your Windsor visit with other activities. 401 Pitt Street West, Windsor.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that some of the city’s best experiences are the ones we can enjoy without putting on real shoes. Toronto’s high-end dining scene has officially entered its delivery eras and suddenly, dishes from places like Nobu and Occhiolino are landing at condo doors across the city via Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Here are five new spots on delivery apps that you can comfortably enjoy in your sweats at home.
Nobu (Uber Eats)
@nobutoronto/Instagram
The international celeb fave is finally on the apps, and their signature dishes are built to travel. The black cod miso ($62) arrives with that perfect charred-sweet finish, and the yellowtail jalapeño ($43)—served with yuzu soy and cilantro—is exactly what you’d get in the dining room.
Occhiolino (Uber Eats)
If you want pasta that hasn’t been sitting under a heat lamp, this is it. They focus on Roman classics with a serious attention to texture. The Pappardelle Al Barolo ($31) features short rib braised in red wine, while the Paccheri alla Vodka ($29) gets a spicy kick from N’Duja. They even sell fresh pasta kits and jars of house-made sugo if you want to pretend you did the work yourself.
Taberna Nacional (Doordash)
The Francesinha from Taberna Nacional
This College Street spot is a love letter to Portuguese cuisine, serving up the kind of fire-grilled flavours that usually require a trip to Lisbon. The cornish hen ‘Guia style’ ($19) is smoky and spicy, while the Francesinha ($24) — Porto’s famous meat-heavy, cheese-smothered sandwich — is a standout. If you’re feeding a group, their steak and frites ($33) or the tiered party menus ($51 – $115) make hosting effortless.
Bar Goa (Uber Eats)
@bargoato/Instagram
This Michelin-recommended spotfocuses on the coastal, coconut-heavy flavours of the Indian west coast. The Goan prawn curry ($29) is the go-to order, but the bison keema pao ($19) — a spiced minced meat dish served with pickled radish — is a great modern take on Indian street food.
Rooh (Uber Eats)
Rooh
Located in Little Italy, ROOHis all about regional Indian flavours with a fun and modern twist. Unlike your standard takeout, this is a menu full of complex spices and technical skill. The chicken 65 Biryani ($19) is a must-try if you love the heat, while the Purani Delhi Daal Makhani ($18) is slow-cooked for hours to get that deep, smoky richness. If you’re staying in with a friend, their combo for 2 ($60) covers all the bases from appetizers to naan.
When March Break rolls around next week, there’s a mall in Toronto that will be filled with family-friendly activities all week long. Yorkgate Mall is bringing back its annual March Break events, and they’ll all be completely free.
The week kicks off with a bang with open auditions for March Break Idol (beginning on Saturday, March 14 and running through Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 as well). This open mic singing competition is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills and follow your musical dreams! The competition runs from 1–3 p.m. each day.
On Monday, March 16, bring the whole family for an educational experience: Ontario Planetarium! This live planetarium interactive show will take you through the universe from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Exotic animal lovers should swing by the mall on Tuesday, March 17 for a show where they can get up close with surprising new animals and more during the interactive experience! Shows will run at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., while the hands-on petting zoo runs from 2–2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18 will be an exciting meet and greet from 1-4 p.m. with Franklin the Turtle! The event will also feature storytime with Franklin himself.
Thursday and Friday will both feature live wrestling (1-4 p.m.), while Thursday will also offer a the chance to learn, play and win prizes with the world POG champion from 12–4 p.m.!
All week long, there will be one more important highlight: a March Break book drive, one of a few charitable initiatives run by Yorkgate Mall. Customers are encouraged to donate a new or slightly used youth or children’s book and help support literacy programs in the community from Monday, March 16 until Friday, March 20.
“These events are a great opportunity for families to come out and get involved in some fun free activities,” remarked Chris Couch, marketing associate at Yorkgate Mall. “We hope to help provide an exciting educational and entertaining experience for our customers.”
While you’re enjoying some family-friendly fun, browse the many other culinary gems located throughout Yorkgate Mall.
When Gordon Ramsay is in town, he doesn’t just dine anywhere — he heads to Ossington. Toronto chef and restaurateur David Schwartz just dropped a big Instagram shout‑out, confirming that Linny’s, one of the city’s hottest tables, recently pulled off a kitchen takeover that’s truly global in scale.
Schwartz’s post showed two food world heavyweights. First, a mirror selfie with Gordon Ramsay, the multi-Michelin-starred chef known for his tough and abrasive on-screen persona. Then a video of him and Schwartz in the middle of a busy kitchen, flashes going off, smiles all around — a clear sign this was a big moment for all.
Ramsay wasn’t the only legend to drop by — Schwartz also posted a photo with Danny Meyer. For anyone who doesn’t know, Meyer founded Shake Shackand the Union Square Hospitality Group and is often called the “King of Hospitality” for shaping modern service in New York. Getting both Ramsay and Meyer in the same restaurant in one week is a huge nod to Schwartz’s Big Hug Hospitality group.
David Schwartz has a Midas touch in Toronto restaurants. His lineup includes MIMI Chinese, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning Sunnys Chinese and the flagship Linny’s — a steakhouse-deli hybrid that pays tribute to his mother.
The timing is telling. Ramsay’s visit comes as he continues to expand his global brand, and it proves what locals already know: David Schwartz is the one of city’s top restaurant stars, and Linny’s just might be the chef’s favourite spot in Toronto.
The greatest basketball player to ever come out of Ontario, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, just broke a decades-old record set by one of the greatest NBA stars of all-time — Wilt Chamberlain.
Gilgeous-Alexander added another feather to his already sizeable NBA cap last night, scoring 35 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Boston Celtics 104-102. With that performance, the Hamilton native extended his streak of consecutive games with 20 or more points to 127, passing the long-standing record set by Chamberlain in 1963.
“The streak is the streak, the awards are the awards,” he said. “But the thing I’m most proud of is winning,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, how always focusses on team success.
Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP, has consistently been among the league leaders in scoring. He also tied the record earlier this week against the Denver Nuggets, scoring 35 points with a career-high 15 assists and nine rebounds, including the game-winning three-pointer in the closing seconds.
With that win, most in the NBA universe agreed that he locked up another MVP trophy for this season.
The Canadian star has now scored 20 or more points in every game since Oct. 30, 2024. He surpassed Chamberlain’s second-best streak of 92 games earlier this year.
Gilgeous-Alexander started high school at St. Thomas More in Hamilton before transferring to Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School. He played his college basketball at the University of Kentucky as a reserve and was drafted 11th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day and Oscars weekend — there’s plenty to celebrate in Toronto! If you’re looking for things to do this weekend, there’s a parade, a ballet premiere, watch parties and more!
For more things to do in Toronto, check out our Instagram page, @streetsoftorontodo.
The city comes alive with green as Toronto celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with its annual parade on Sunday. The parade kicks off at noon on the corner of St. George and Bloor Street West. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the largest Irish-themed events in Toronto.
Get into the maple spirit at Sugar Shack TO — back this year at a new location after being cancelled last year! Expect maple-infused comfort food, sugar cookies, a bonfire warming station, hot apple cider, a maple sugaring demonstration and live entertainment, including the Great Canadian Fiddle Show and Tim Burr, the Circus Lumberjack.
Shrek 2, the beloved family film featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese and Julie Andrews will be brought to life by the TO Live Orchestra both days this weekend!
Get in on the fun at the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Race! It’s been a beloved tradition since 2000 and kicks off the running season in style. Everyone’s invited to join in the excitement at the scenic Evergreen Brick Works venue on Sunday. Don’t miss the lively after-party with Irish music and refreshments! Participants will receive a technical running shirt, a unique finisher medal and the option to enjoy a pint of beer and a meal.
Celebrate the 2026 Academy Awards among cinephiles this Sunday at the TIFF Oscars member watch party! Hosted by comedian Alice Rose, tune in for the biggest night in Hollywood and enjoy movie trivia courtesy of Toronto Trivia!
Premiering this Friday at the National Ballet is a 19th-century tale you know and love: Pinocchio. Created for the ballet by director and choreographer Will Tuckett, this performance features magical stage effects and plenty of Canadiana.
On Saturday, see the North American premiere of this gender-flipped retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac by Virginia Gay. The irreverent rom-com follows charmer Cyrano, the brilliant Roxanne and the attractive but boring Yan in a sort-of love triangle.
Country rock singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. is coming to History on Friday and Saturday on his Gary the Tour tour. This comes a few months after he released a deluxe edition of his debut album, søn of dad.
Housing affordability has long been a problem in Toronto, even with this past year’s tariff-induced market lull (the average GTA home price dropped below $1 million for the first time in five years in January). While finding a truly affordable home right in the city remains an almost impossible challenge, a new report has highlighted a few neighbourhoods in Toronto where the average sold price is somehow under the $500,000 mark.
The report released this week by Wahi analyzed February 2026 sales data in the GTA in neighbourhoods with five or more transactions, and two of the top five most affordable areas are actually in Toronto. With a median sold price of $452,000, Flemingdon Park ranked the second least expensive GTA neighbourhood, while Wallace Emerson (near the Junction Triangle) ranked fourth with a median sold price at $485,000.
The report noted that Flemingdon Park is a condo-heavy neighbourhood, likely accounting for the extremely low sold price average. Wallace Emerson, on the other hand, features a mix of older homes, condos and rental apartments. This pocket of Toronto is a relatively more transit accessible area compared to the rest of the Junction — it’s not far from Landsdowne subway station on Line 2. It’s also surrounded by nearby neighbourhoods where home prices are definitely above $1 million, so securing a property here under $500,000 would be a pretty great find.
Outside of Toronto, Queen Street Corridor in Brampton ranked the least expensive neighbourhood in the entire GTA (median sold price: $407,000), while Core Mississauga in, you guessed it, Mississauga took third place with a median price of $475,000. Wismer in Markham took fifth place, squeaking in just under $500,000 at a median sold price of $499,500.
The report also ranked the city’s most expensive neighbourhoods, and the stark difference in median sold price is pretty shocking. Many of the areas were in North York, but the most and second-most expensive neighbourhoods were in Oakville and Etobicoke, respectively — all coming in with a median sold price above $2 million!
The team behind some of Toronto’s most celebrated restaurants is opening a unique, hidden Italian dining experience. Located at 11 Church Street, Pasta Privato will open on March 27 with an evolving menu rooted in storytelling, offered à la carte or as an eight-course tasting menu.
The project is a personal one for partners Yannick Bigourdan and Adam Teolis, and chef Michael Angeloni, who make are the driving force behind Notte Restorante and The Berczy Tavern, among other hotspots. Teolis explains that hosting the road-trip dinner series and all-Canadian pasta tasting nights at Notte Ristorante (then called Amano Trattoria) was so fun and creatively inspiring that it helped them reimagine how they could use the space at 11 Church Street as an intimate dining room that seats just 30 guests.
Chef Michael Angeloni
“Really wanting to scratch that creative itch and create something special — something that could be very curated — really appealed to us,” says Teolis. “That’s what we enjoy, because it lets us focus on the guest experience instead of just mass production.”
Angeloni says serving for only 30 allows him to experiment and serve artisanal pastas and unique dishes that can’t be done in a 200-seat venue.
“We got such great feedback over the years on all the road-trip dinners that we did, which were very regional, very specific, very unique,” says Angeloni. “So, having a restaurant space that does that consistently was really exciting for me. I can showcase all those really unique positions, especially with the process because they are so technically driven and precise, and really hard to execute at a really high volume.”
As with their other projects, there will be a focus on storytelling — a thread that will be explored across the main dining area which is decorated with images that take you into Angeloni’s creative processes. Copies of his notebooks will fill the wall space, detailed with images, scribbles and recipes — including a recipe card from his grandmother dating back 40 years.
The storytelling comes alive in the inaugural menu concept being introduced at Pasta Privato, called “Un Omaggio.” Meaning “an homage,” the series is dedicated to defining moments in Angeloni’s career and taking influence from some of the mentors who shaped him including Dario Tomaselli, David Lee and Grant van Gameren.
“There’ll be some really fun stories along the way about why the dishes are the way they are and where the inspiration comes from. That thread runs through the whole experience,” says Teolis. “You’re left with a real sense of chef Mike’s cooking and the thinking behind the food. You might see an ingredient that doesn’t immediately make sense, but it’s not there just for the sake of it. It’s a nod or a tribute to something that was done intentionally, beyond just adding flavour.”
Though rooted in Italian tradition, some dishes draw inspiration from global stories — like the beef heart and beets, reimagined from a traditional Peruvian street food, and the spizzulus pasta, a pan-braided noodle finished with sea urchin and chicken skin, a combination Angeloni discovered in Mexico City.
“It’s dishes that I think are really fun and unique, and I put my own twist on some really cool finds,” says Angeloni. “It’s food that’s really near and dear to my heart.”
Wine pairings will complement the curated dishes with unique and rare bottles from regions of Italy as well as Canada.
“There are a lot of exceptional wines that people can get priced out of, but for a tasting menu, you can at least get a little experience of what they’re like, so we’ll lean into that,” says Teolis.
As they prepare to open the doors, Angeloni and Teolis say they are looking forward to sharing all-new, uniquely curated dishes in an intimate space with the diners who have been with them over the years.
“It’ll be cool to see him flex that creative muscle, and it’ll be fun to watch people come back. We had so many guests who came to all those road trip dinners and are excited to return,” says Teolis. “Being able to share that with people who appreciate Mike’s cooking is going to be great.”
Toronto’s spring entertainment calendar just picked up another marquee moment: actor and producer Malin Akerman is set to receive the IMPACT Award at this year’s The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada event, taking place May 28, at The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto. Organizers announced the honour this week as part of the third annual Canadian edition of the summit and awards program, which brings together leaders across film, TV and music for a day of conversations and shmoozing.
In Akerman’s case, her career now spans nearly three decades and includes more than 75 studio films, indie features and TV projects. Akerman’s latest role is in The Hunting Wives, about a clique of housewives hiding deadly secrets, but the actress has a Canadian connection, too! The star was raised in Ontario and made her acting debut on the Canadian science fiction series Earth: Final Conflict in 1997, before going on to build an international career, with notable roles in Billions,Chick Fight,Couples Retreat, The Proposal, Friendsgiving, Soulmates,The Sleepover and, course, as Silk Spectre in the 2009 hit Watchmen.
“Over almost 30 years Malin Akerman has amassed a body of work demonstrating intelligence, substance, and versatility. Her many roles portray women on screen with depth, wit, vulnerability, and strength, helping to shape contemporary storytelling on the world stage,” the organization said in its announcement.
The IMPACT Award previously went to Jeanne Beker in 2025 and Devery Jacobs in 2024, while recent overall honouree lineups have included names like Margaret Atwood, Tantoo Cardinal, Christina Jennings, Amrit Kaur, Kim Cattrall, Deepa Mehta and Karena Evans.
Tickets for the May 28 event are now on sale through Women in Entertainment Canada, which is currently offering early-bird pricing.
The Hollywood Reporter Women In Entertainment Canada takes place May 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. Click here for more info.
Looking for the best new restaurants in Toronto this week? The city’s dining scene keeps growing, and this week there are 10 newer spots worth checking out. From a Turkish-Mediterranean newcomer on Queen East to an upscale Indian opening on College Street, here is your definitive guide to the 10 best new places to eat in Toronto right now.
This Riverside gem recently celebrates its grand opening with a menu focused on Turkish-Mediterranean comfort food with a few fun twists. Start with the Anatolian Trio Dip if you’re heading over with a group, or the pumpkin mücver fritters with tahini sauce if you want something snacky and a little different. From there, the köfte with potato purée is a house fave, while the Avunya mantısı (pulled chicken with baked Turkish phyllo, crispy chickpeas, yogurt and slightly spicy butter sauce) is ideal if you want richer, more distinctive flavours. 782 Queen St E.
Petty Cash earns a spot this week because its relaunch looks substantial enough to feel new again. The King West hangout has reopened with an elevated space featuring a photobooth, a billiards table, live sports, curated live bands Thursday through Saturday, and happy hour daily from 5 to 8 pm! Head over with a group of friends and make it a shareable night: order one of the house pizzas, like the Margherita if you want something classic, or the Eggplant Parmigiana if you want something a little heavier, as well as wings or another app while you settle in. If you go midweek, the $17 Steak & Frites Wednesday special is a good excuse to make a return visit. 487 Adelaide St W (entrance on Portland).
Little Italy just got a much glossier Indian option in Aangan! This modern restaurant on College St boasts an intimate dining room, a curated beverage program and a private Mandala Room for groups. The food is a styled-up take on regional Indian cooking, but the obvious order is the Signature Smoky Butter Chicken, finished with fire-roasted red peppers! If you’re heading over with a large group, try the Sweet Potato Chaat layered with yogurt, tamarind and pomegranate, the Coconut Prawn Curry with lemongrass and coastal spices, or one of the charcoal-oven signatures like the Kokum Chicken Tikka. For the rest of March, Aangan is also offering a three-course tasting menu for $55! 556 College St.
4. Eden Garden Resto & Bar
Eden Garden Resto & Bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a suburban hangout with comfort-food-heavy options. The menu is packed with burgers, pastas, fried starters and steakhouse mains. Start with the lamb spring rolls or coconut green chilli shrimp, and then go for the Spicy Burger with chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, fried onions and jalapeños or opt for the Seafood Pasta or Cajun Salmon if you want a heartier dinner. 1806 Pharmacy Ave.
Taco Factory is one of the more casual additions on this list, but that’s part of its appeal! The street-style stop on Widmer St has combo-friendly pricing with the perfect eats rotation, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos, with proteins like chicken, beef, beans, fish and steak, as well as sauces like salsa verde and guacamole salsa. The $10 lunch power box is a good option if you’re trying it for the first time, but the Fries Supreme, chips and guac, or a Mexican Walking Taco will round out your experience nicely. Open 6 days a week (Tuesday-Sunday). 11 Widmer St.
This compact Vietnamese bánh mì and café shop on Queen E sits across from the Fox Theatre. Try delicious sandwiches like the betel leaf beef and Nha Trang fish cake bánh mì, along with drinks like egg coffee and a salted matcha latte. If you’re going for the first time, go for the grilled pork, grilled chicken or grilled meatball bánh mì, as well as a Vietnamese phin coffee and a rotating mix of matcha-coffee hybrids. 2383 Queen St E.
Hinode is nestled in Richmond Hill, but its dishes justify the detour! The restaurant is a new udon and tempura spot that makes its noodles in-house, with broth made fresh with dried fish imported from Japan. Keep it simple with kake or zaru udon, or go straight to the signatures like nikutama udon with beef and hot spring egg, duck meat udon, or curry udon. Or indulge in the Mapo udon with a spicy sauce that coats the soft cubes of silken tofu, with tasty bits of ground pork and scallion! Add an assorted tempura platter, shrimp tempura or takoyaki on the side, and you’ll have a comforting meal that doesn’t feel too heavy. 324 Hwy 7 #3, Richmond Hill.
Pho Golden Star Premium is one of the more interesting Vietnamese spots to put on your radar, especially if you don’t mind a drive to Markham! The restaurant has been active since last September, but it’s getting fresh attention now for doing more than the standard pho-house script. Start with the spring rolls or fresh shrimp-and-pork rolls and then opt for more distinctive specials like crab sticky rice, Vietnamese beef stew with baguette and mountain jelly salad. 4500 Steeles Ave E, Markham.
9. Mieluna
Bistro steak au jus
Mieluna is a chic new restaurant and café that’s nestled in the heart of the Financial District, blending European and Middle Eastern influences with a 100 per cent halal menu. Go for the truffle eggs Benedict with turkey bacon, lathered in a rich, truffle-infused hollandaise, or the citrus mascarpone French toast topped with orange zest and blueberry. For lunch, the melty cheese burger, served in a cast-iron skillet with a decadent cheese sauce, is a win. 483 Bay St, South Tower.
Aangan brings a sophisticated touch to Indian dining. The restaurant focuses on authentic flavours and regional specialties that elevate traditional Indian comfort eats into a high-end experience. The butter chicken and lamb Rogan Josh are early faves for their depth of spice, and pair perfectly with fresh, garlic-brushed naan. For something more exotic, try the Shakarkandi chaat, highlighted with sweet potatoes, spices, yogurt and pomegranate seeds, topped with crispy potato salli. 556 College St.
When I think about death and aging, at least in the context of literature, the first person that comes to mind is always Dylan Thomas and his immortal words: “Do not go gentle into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at close of day. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Those words were top of mind during the opening night performance of Queen Maeve at Tarragon Theatre. The play, a world premiere penned by the iconic Canadian playwright Judith Thompson, jumps into this world with two well-aged feet.
Queen Maeve centres on an elderly woman who appears to have lived an ordinary life and now resides in a nursing home in Cornwall, Ontario. As we soon find out, this 88-year-old charmer played to perfection by Clare Coulter, is actually Maeve, the reborn legendary Irish warrior queen.
Clare Coulter and Ryan Bommarito in ‘Queen Maeve’ (photo: Jae Yang)
From the confines of her bedroom — a bedroom and a home that could be any retirement home anywhere in the province — she reflects on a life shaped by battle, love, loss, and the consequences of her choices.
It is something, some place, we all end up, at the end of our journeys, reflecting on the struggles and challenges of life, the highs and lows. And, we all need to prepare. As a way to spark conversations and self-reflection, this play is perfect. I wouldn’t change a single thing. The issues that Maeve encounters in her life might be unique, but the struggles, the feelings, the fears, are universal. For all but a lucky few, life is a challenge interrupted by moments of joy.
To that end, maybe we are all warrior queens and warriors kings. If we make it to the end, why not declare ourselves champions?
The production blends myth and reality in a moving meditation on aging, legacy, and what it means to confront the final chapters of life with courage. And it is something from which we can all learn.
Queen Maeve is rooted in Irish mythology and the story of the Queen of Connacht, one of four traditional regions of Ireland.
Clare Coulter in ‘Queene Maeve’ (photo: Jae Yang)
The set is simple, the play a scant 80 minutes. The acting? Sublime
Coulter as Queen Maeve offers one of the best and most memorable performances I’ve seen in the last year. Her supporting cast of Ryan Bommarito, Caroline Gillis and Sarah Orenstein add depth and emotional balance to Thompson’s text.
One of the marks of a wonderful play is the conversations it sparks immediately after, the next day, the next week.
The key to Queen Maeve’s success is in its resonance. It’s one of those plays that gets the gears moving, that sparks chats about important topics. It is universal and the more we talk about it, the better off we will all be.
This is a play to see. Bold, poignant, and unforgettable.
