Max Scherzer’s 8-year-old daughter wrote the Blue Jays a letter asking them to bring her dad back

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9:17 am

max Scherzer of the Toronto Blue Jays — Instagram: @mlb

Toronto’s newest Blue Jays recruiting pitch didn’t come from an agent; it came from an eight-year-old with some persuasive writing skills.

On Thursday, news broke that veteran pitcher Max Scherzer is returning to the Blue Jays on a one-year deal reportedly worth $3 million, with incentives that could raise the total value significantly.

Soon after those reports surfaced, Scherzer’s wife, Erica, shared an Instagram photo of a handwritten letter their daughter, Brooke, wrote back in December. Brooke sealed the letter in an envelope and asked her parents to mail it to the team.

“Last season had an amazing impact on our entire family and we couldn’t be more excited to be back in Toronto!! Season 19 here we go!” Erica wrote alongside the photo of the letter:

“Dear Blue Jays,

I am so sorry that you didn’t win the World Series. I hope that you win next time. I hope my dad is back on the team. My whole family loves spending time in Toronto with our dad. We loved the aquarium, CN Tower and of course, the stadium. I am looking forward to coming back next season.

Love,

Max Scherzer’s daughter”

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And it looks like she got her wish! The reported agreement would bring the 41-year-old back for what would be his 19th MLB season, with performance bonuses that could push the deal well beyond the base salary.

Last season, Scherzer went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts, logging 85 innings (though injuries disrupted his year, including a stretch where he was sidelined due to thumb soreness tied to a broader nerve issue).

But Toronto’s year overall was anything but ordinary. The Jays made a deep run all the way to Game 7 of the World Series before losing to the Dodgers. And Scherzer showed up when it mattered most! His signature moment last season came in October, in Game 4 of the ALCS: John Schneider came out for a mound visit, and Scherzer made it very clear that he wasn’t ready to hand over the ball. Toronto went on to win 8-2, helping cement his “Mad Max” lore.

The deal still needs to be finalized (as of publication, the Blue Jays hadn’t confirmed the agreement yet), but Scherzer is expected to report to camp sometime this weekend after a physical, according to Sportsnet.

Toronto, meanwhile, doesn’t have to wait long to see the Jays again! The club’s next spring training exhibition game is Thursday afternoon, Feb 26, against Miami, with more spring dates on the way.

Why everyone is talking about Mozy’s Charcoal in Liberty Village

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Jennifer Schembri

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1:00 pm

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Mozy's Charcoal is a popular spot in Liberty Village. — Processed with VSCO with l1 preset

If you’ve noticed a line forming at 114 Atlantic Avenue lately, you can trace the scent back to Mozy’s Charcoal. While the spot technically opened its doors in mid-January 2026, it is currently having a major “trending” moment as word spreads about the pedigree in the kitchen.

The man behind the grill is chef Barbode Soudi. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he cut his teeth at Alo, one of Toronto’s most famous high-end restaurants. At Mozy’s, he’s applying that same technical intensity to something much more accessible: charcoal chicken.

Mozy’s is not your typical restaurant, the eatery is also a family legacy. The shop is named in honour of Soudi’s late father, Mozaffar (affectionately known as “Mozy”). Growing up in an Iranian household, Soudi’s memories are anchored in family cookouts where his father was the self-appointed “kebab expert.” Mozy’s Charcoal is a tribute to those traditions, focusing on the simple, honest power of live-fire cooking.

Despite the custom grills imported from Portugal, Soudi is clear that this isn’t your standard Portuguese chicken. It’s a hybrid — drawing on Persian, Portuguese and even Australian influences.

The centrepiece of the menu is the spatchcock chicken, which is slowly roasted over a charcoal rotisserie to achieve a deep, smoky flavour. Diners can opt for a quarter plate for $18 or go all-in with a full chicken for $35. The sides are where the chef’s fine-dining background really shines, featuring elevated options like smoked labneh finished with brown butter and preserved lemon, as well as steak-cut fries tossed in a sumac-heavy “chicken salt.”

Housed in the former Liberty Shawarma space, Mozy’s has gone from a casual neighbourhood lunch stop to a destination worth making the trek to Liberty Village for.

Mozy’s Charcoal is located at 114 at Atlantic Avenue. Follow the shop on Instagram for news and updates.

74 of the best things to do in Toronto this month

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Julia Mastroianni

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5:47 am

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This story was last updated: March 1, 2026

It’s March, and we’re finally facing the beginnings of spring in Toronto! With the warmer weather, the city is bustling during the day and comes alive at night, meaning we can enjoy some of the best music, theatre and shopping the city has to offer — there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are the most important dates, events and festivals that every Toronto resident needs to know for March.

Events, festivals and important dates in Toronto

Month of March: Irish Heritage Month

March 1: 2026 CAFTCAD Awards at The Eglinton Grand

March 1: Cat Power at History

March 2: Charley Crockett at History

March 2–3: Purim

March 3: World Wildlife Day

March 3: Dodie Clark at Danforth Music Hall

March 3–4: Rainbow Kitten Surprise at History

hr 1800x1200 web The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman) 0833 — The cast of the North American tour of ‘SHUCKED.’ Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

March 3–April 5: Shucked at Princess of Wales Theatre

March 4: Peaches at Danforth Music Hall

March 4: Holi

March 4: Post City and Rotman’s 2026 Real Estate Roundtable

March 4: Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! at Meridian Hall

March 4–5: REVOLUTION: The Music of The Beatles – A Symphonic Experience at the TSO

March 4-15: Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

March 5: Aries at The Opera House

March 5–6: Mariah the Scientist at History

March 6: Bad Omens at Scotiabank Arena

March 6–15: National Home Show at Enercare Centre

March 7: Celebrate Toronto’s 192nd anniversary festival

March 7: Maggie Lindemann at Annabel’s Music Hall

March 7: La La Land in Concert at Meridian Hall

March 7: When Sisters Speak at Jane Mallett Theatre

March 7–8: Geary Art Crawl

March 8: Mammoth at History

March 8: International Women’s Day

March 8: Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m.

March 9: The Wall in Concert at Meridian Hall

March 9: Dark Side of the Moon in Concert at Meridian Hall

March 10: Harriet Tubman Day

March 10: The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others at Meridian Hall

March 10–11: Rise Against at History

March 13–14: Stephen Wilson Jr. at History

March 13–22: Pinocchio at the National Ballet

March 14: Pi Day

March 14–15: Shrek 2 in Concert at Meridian Hall

Sugar Shack updated — Courtesy harbourfrontcentre.com

March 14–15: Sugar Shack TO

March 14–April 5: Cyrano at CAA Theatre

March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 15: March Madness begins

March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Race

March 15: The Oscars

March 15: Ides of March

March 16: Natalie Jane at The Opera House

March 16–20: March Break

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

March 19–20: Eid al-Fitr 2026

March 19–21: Wavelength Music Festival

March 19–29: Detroit: Music of the Motor City at Soulpepper Theatre

March 20: Lamb of God at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto

March 20: Norwuz (Persian New Year)

March 20: Spring Equinox (first day of Spring)

March 20–22: Toronto Comicon

March 21: Bert Kreischer at Scotiabank Arena

March 21: Peppa Pig: My First Concert at Meridian Hall

March 22: Sabrina Claudio at The Opera House

March 23: National Puppy Day

March 24: FKA Twigs at Coca-Cola Coliseum

March 24: Zara Larsson at History

March 24-29: Canadian Film Fest

March 26–27: Akaash Singh at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

March 27: dvsn at Massey Hall

March 27: The Sheepdogs at History

March 27: Blue Jays home opener

vintageshowsale — Courtesy torontovintageshow.ca

March 28–29: Toronto Vintage Show

March 28: JUNO Awards

March 29: Old Book and Paper Show

March 29: Black Label Society at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

March 29: NMIXX at The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort

March 30: Cardi B at Scotiabank Arena

March 31: July Talk at History

March 31: The Bald and the Beautiful (Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamo) at Meridian Hall

March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31–April 1: Hayley Williams at Massey Hall

You can shop 60,000 square feet of vintage clothes at this massive sale in Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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5:17 pm

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tovintageshow — Courtesy torontovintageclothingshow.ca

It’s sometimes fun to hop between different vintage stores to thrift shop, searching high and low for that new second-hand statement piece of your dreams. But sometimes, you just want to do your shopping all in one place. That’s where the Toronto Vintage Show comes in. This massive pop-up sale brings together over 100 vendors and shops for the biggest sale of vintage clothing in Canada. Expect a full 60,000 square feet of antique finds and treasures that have been sourced specifically for the show by the top second-hand vendors in the country.

And if the fun of shopping vintage for you is more about accessories, homewares or art, you’ll find that there too! Vendors at the show have been known to bring incredible spreads of home goods, cameras, vintage art and even full-on furniture.

The fashion is true vintage, with clothing ranging from the 1920 to the 1990s and beyond.

We’re lucky to have quite a few amazing vintage pop-ups in Toronto, many of which are coming back for the season this spring — including Hippie Market, The Welcome Market and Good Friends Market. If you frequent these spaces often, you’ll likely see a few familiar faces at the Toronto Vintage Show — Toronto’s Frou Frou Vintage, Cloud Girl Vintage, The Goods Vintage, Batch Vintage, Boomie Vintage, Black Diamond Vintage and so many more have all already announced that they’ll have a booth at the show in March.

Curious what’s in store for shoppers who stop by the pop-up next month? A few vendors have already started teasing the pieces they’ve curated and set aside specifically for the show.

For example, Adeline Vintage shared breathtaking pictures of a stunning 1930s satin wedding gown, featuring balloon sleeves, a sash and delicate button sleeves, that will be exclusively available at the show.

Pick a Posie Vintage shared a special piece they’re saving for their booth at the show as well: a kaftan dress from the late 1960s or early 1970s, apparently handmade, in a yellow and pink floral patterned fabric.

Second Soul Vintage, meanwhile, teased a stack of vintage sportswear — from crewnecks to ringer T-shirts — that they’re curating specifically for the show.

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A post shared by Regal Flare (@regal__flare)

And Regal Flare shared a few gems that will be exclusively available at the Toronto Vintage Show, including a 1970s lilac flared suit and an incredible colour block blazer from the ’80s.

Prepare to travel back in time through clothes — and do a tour of your favourite vintage shops, all in one place!

The show will take place from March 28–29 at Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place, and admission costs $15 — but you can snag a discount on the website.

8 best gluten-free pizza spots in Toronto | 2026 Guide

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Nisean Lorde

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1:22 pm

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Gluten-free pizza in Toronto has come a long way from the cardboard crust era, and many local kitchens now offer crispy crust swaps that hold up perfectly under toppings! To help you sort through the best gut-friendly options, here are eight reliable places that offer some of the most delicious gluten-free pizza picks! Just keep in mind that “gluten-free crust” doesn’t always mean “gluten-free kitchen,” so, if you’re highly sensitive, it might be worth calling ahead and asking if they can accommodate you safely to prevent cross-contamination.

Pizzeria Defina

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A post shared by Roncesvalles Village (@roncesvillage)

Pizzeria Defina serves perfectly hand-made, wood-fired pies, and you can swap in gluten-free dough (+$7) across its Neapolitan-style lineup! Go classic with the Margherita (plum tomato sauce, fior, basil and grana), or indulge in something spicy, like the Diavola (soppressata, basil and oregano). If ordering with friends, the signature #504 is a restaurant fave, topped with soppressata, wood-roasted mushrooms and red onions. 321 Roncesvalles Ave.

Pi Co.

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A post shared by The Gluten Free Network (@theglutenfreenetwork)

Pi Co.’s “Craft Yours” setup includes a gluten-free dough option (+$4), so you can build the same sauce-and-toppings combo you’d normally order, just on a GF base. Influencers ay the crust is “thin, chewy, and holds up nicely”! Keep it classic with a Margherita-style pie, or go “Toronto extra” with spicy soppressata and mushrooms. If you want something richer, try a pizza loaded with pesto, grilled chicken, roasted red pepper and goat cheese. A quick heads up: Pi Co. isn’t a 100% gluten-free environment, so cross-contamination is possible. Multiple locations.

Pizzeria Libretto

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A post shared by Pizzeria Libretto (@pizzerialibretto)

Pizzeria Libretto has long been a go-to for Neapolitan purists, so it’s only fitting that the menu also offers a gluten-free crust swap ($5) alongside its standard 72-hour-fermented base! If you like a little heat, go for the ’Nduja (spicy Calabrian sausage with stracciatella) or the Diavola (spicy salami, olives, onion, and crema di peperoncino). Just note that gluten-free items aren’t prepared in a dedicated gluten-free environment, so cross-contamination is possible. Multiple locations; the Ossington location recently reopened as “Bar Libretto,” targeting the late-night crowd.

Sol Pizza

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A post shared by SOL PIZZA (@solpizza.to)

Sol Pizza is the perfect pick if you want something simple and reliable near the downtown core. Pizzas are 12 inches, thin-crust, and made to order, and you can choose gluten-friendly/gluten-free dough for an additional charge. The Siciliana is a Mediterranean flavour trip, think juicy cherry tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, briny capers and savoury anchovies, while the Margherita is the best option if you’re trying Sol for the first time and want to evaluate the crust! 1033 Bay St. #9.

Salt & Tobacco Pizzeria

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A post shared by Salt and Tobacco (@salttobacco)

If you’re after a non-chain neighbourhood spot, Salt & Tobacco is one of the better recent additions to Toronto’s pizza scene. The menu lets you swap in a gluten-free crust for any 10-inch pizza (+$4), but the team is also upfront about cross-contamination risk (it’s a better fit for gluten-free preference or mild/moderate sensitivity, not strict cases!). For something rich and savoury, try the Funghi (mushrooms, garlic, parmesan). If you prefer sweet-salty, the Lil’ Cabbagetown piles on Brussels sprouts, blue cheese, caramelized onions, bacon and maple syrup. Just remember to confirm the GF crust swap when you order! 521 Parliament St.

Cantina Mercatto

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A post shared by Mercatto Restaurants (@mercatto.to)

Cantina Mercatto is a great choice when you want a proper sit-down Italian meal, and someone in your group is craving gluten-free pizza. Gluten-free crust add-ons ($5) are baked in individual pans, which can help cut down on some shared-surface concerns! For a classic with a kick, go for the Diavola (spicy soppressata and basil). The Burrata turns up the heat with ’nduja and Calabrian chillies, while the Zucca (buttercup squash, spinach, fontina and walnut pangrattato) feels a little more “osteria” (think rustic Italian dining). 20 Wellington St E, #1.

Il Ponte Cucina Italiana

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A post shared by il Ponte (@ilponte.to)

Il Ponte is an east-end Italian spot that works just as well for date night as it does for a big family dinner. Bonus: most menu items can be made gluten-free! The dinner menu offers a gluten-free pizza dough option ($5); just be sure to flag any allergies or dietary restrictions to your server. For a loaded, classic-style pie, go for the Capricciosa (prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, artichokes and olives), or keep it hot with the Calabrese (spicy soppressata, olives and red onion). Complement your meal with a classic, creamy gluten-free panna cotta topped with luscious berry compote. 625 Queen St E.

Tulia Osteria

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A post shared by Tulia (@tuliaosteriabar)

Tulia’s wood-fired pizza lineup includes gluten-free and vegan options, so you can go big on flavour without feeling limited. The Vesuvio brings the heat with spicy soppressata, smoked mozzarella and Calabrian chilli, while the Bianca goes luxe with truffle cream, artichokes and ricotta. For something bolder, the Vampiro hits that sweet-spicy sweet spot with ’nduja, burrata, basil and hot honey. If you prefer to keep it simple, the Margherita is always a safe bet. 1402 Queen St E.

Tokyo’s famous organic matcha cafe is opening its first North American location on Ossington

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Jennifer Schembri

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11:59 am

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The Matcha Tokyo will open soon at 139 Ossington Ave.

The Ossington strip is about to get a fresh splash of green. Japanese matcha darling The Matcha Tokyo has locked in 139 Ossington Ave. for its first North American location, giving Toronto another reason to lean fully into its matcha era.

The discovery came courtesy of some classic internet sleuthing: a brand-new Instagram account, @thematchatokyo.ca, lists the address and a planned 2026 opening. While there’s still no official press release — or even a mention of the Toronto outpost on the website—The Matcha Tokyo has already started making it feel real, with temporary signage now up at the Ossington location.

The address itself has had a bit of a revolving-door storyline. Most recently it was home to Saigon Snacks (previously Banh Mi Resort), which closed in November 2025 after a rent hike. Before that, bubble tea chain Gong Cha held the space.

Founded in Tokyo in 2018, The Matcha Tokyo has expanded quickly to more than 50 locations across Asia, with shops in Hong Kong and the Philippines. The brand centres everything around high-quality, pesticide-free matcha sourced from Kagoshima, known for producing some of Japan’s brightest and smoothest green tea.

What people actually line up for are the signature matcha lattes — especially the pistachio version that keeps popping up all over social feeds — along with the brand’s rich, creamy matcha soft serve, known for its deep green colour and smooth finish. Drinks are also hand-whisked at the counter using traditional bamboo whisks, adding a small ritual moment to the usual grab-and-go caffeine run.

Design-wise, the brand is known for its clean lines, warm wood and that calm, minimalist Japanese look that makes every drink photo-ready. Their flagship in Harajuku spans five floors (yes, with a yoga studio), but the Ossington location will likely keep things compact and caffeinated for the neighbourhood’s constant foot traffic.

Follow The Matcha Tokyo on Instagram for updates.

Toronto’s viral airplane-themed café just expanded into a full day-to-night spot

By

Lauren DiBenedetto

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11:25 am

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In a time when travel feels increasingly turbulent: flights getting pricier, advisories piling up, and headlines scaring off some of the braver jet setters, Torontonians continue to provide, offering the locals a softer landing of sorts. If you’ve found yourself daydreaming at work about escaping one of the endless snowstorms this exceptionally sleet-filled winter season, FlyMood Cafe offers you the chance to get away without the passport.

Located at 533 Bloor St. West in the Annex, FlyMood Cafe, the newest concept to hit the food scene here in Toronto has finally landed. The airplane-themed cafe and cocktail lounge leans into the fantasy of travel sans the logistics. After the closing of space-travel themed bar, Offworld Bar, only six short months ago, the team behind FlyMood is filling a high demand gap. While Offworld transported guests to another world, FlyMood keeps it closer to earth but still firmly up in the clouds.

Officially opened this past month, the cafe leans into my favourite one of Toronto’s strengths: the ability to travel the world in just a few city blocks. If, like me, you’re accustomed to flying to coach you may be asking yourself ‘why would anyone want to replicate airplane cuisine?’ FlyMood Cafe however steers clear of the realities of sky high menus, but rather centres theirs around global flavours and destinations.

The drink menu reads like a world tour. First stop Japan, where passengers can sip on matcha lattes: including those of the strawberry, lavender, earl grey variety. Next stop: Italy — the country that brings coffee and indulgence and isn’t afraid to pair them together. With tiramisu lattes and espresso con-panna, the Italians know how to spend their mornings. Looking for more than flavour in your travels? Opt for the traditional Turkish sand-brewed coffee. Don’t just taste your travels, experience is through a centuries-old method where finely ground coffee is heated upon hot sand, producing a thick, velvety cup topped with foam.

The food menu follows in the same globe-trotting footsteps, featuring Middle Eastern sweets like Kanefeh and stuffed dates, pistachio and berry cheesecakes, Turkish baklava, Dubai chocolate stuffed croissants and that’s just the beginning. The stand out menu item that’s quickly become a must try treat is a chocolate mousse teddy bear cake shaped exactly how it sounds. Mark my words now, I believe we’re in the early days of Toronto’s soon-to-be next big social media moment.

While the menu originally began as strictly cafe, the team has just as quickly expanded their offerings. Just two days ago they launched their extended menu that now includes breakfast items, shareable plates and cocktail lounge fare positioning FlyMood as a full day-to-night destination. Dishes like rigatoni in Cherry tomato sauce topped with a full burrata or the grilled halloumi signal a shift towards something more restaurant adjacent without losing the cafe’s novelty factor.

Above all else, the space itself is what seals the deal. The long narrow room dimly lights their domed ceiling mimicking that of a cabin-like experience upon an aircraft. Video screens line the walls like airplane windows, looping aerial footage of cloudscapes and sky-high views.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., FlyMood blurs the line between cafe and cocktail lounge, making it just as viable for a midday caffeine stop as it is for late-night drinks and dessert.

City Hacks: How to unwind and find your Zen for free in T.O.

By

Ron Johnson

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9:52 am

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bamboo forest — Instagram: @adrianozimek.photo

If your winter blues is kicking into a new and dire gear, it might be time to find a place for peaceful contemplation.

If you’re looking for peaceful spots in Toronto where you can unwind without spending money, the city has several hidden and serene places worth exploring. Keeping in mind that many of these facilities would make use of donations.

Bamboo Garden at U of T

Tucked inside the Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, there’s an indoor bamboo garden that feels like a hidden oasis amid downtown’s bustle. This lush planted space with tall bamboo canes provides a quiet spot where students, staff and visitors can relax, sit and reset between classes or meetings — a refreshing break from the city noise.

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in the Don Mills neighbourhood is a long-standing community cultural hub that offers free access to its galleries, heritage displays and public areas. Founded to promote Japanese culture and history, the centre hosts changing exhibitions, seasonal events and a small art collection open to visitors. While some programs have fees or require membership, visits to exhibition spaces and heritage displays are free, and the centre provides a calm, contemplative atmosphere.

Toronto Music Garden

Designed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, the Toronto Music Garden on the waterfront features winding pathways, landscaped sections and benches overlooking Lake Ontario perfect for a meditative moment. The garden’s layout was inspired by the movements of a Bach suite, creating a harmonious setting for reflection.

Fu Sien Tong Buddhist Temple

Situated on Niagara Street near downtown, Fu Sien Tong Buddhist Temple is open to the public for quiet visits during posted hours. The temple provides a peaceful interior space for reflection and offers regular Buddhist services and community activities.

Toronto Zen Centre

Founded in 1967, the Toronto Zen Centre on High Park Gardens offers regular Zen meditation sittings (zazen) open to newcomers who attend an introductory session. The centre maintains a weekly schedule that includes morning and evening meditation and Sunday practice, providing a dedicated space for silent contemplation.

Paramita Centre

During warmer months, the Paramita Centre offers weekly silent meditation and much more from its 1834 Danforth Ave. location. Led by experienced teachers, these sessions draw on Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices and are open to participants of all experience levels.

Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden

Located in the Township of Cavan Monaghan near Peterborough, east of Toronto, the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden is a Chinese Buddhist temple complex built in the style of Tang-dynasty architecture. Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, the largest Chinese Buddhist site in Canada, is open to visitors five days a week from mid-April to mid-November.

Exhibition Place could be heading for a noticeable glow-up with a four-storey concert venue

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Nisean Lorde

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5:00 pm

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Exhibition Place could be heading for a noticeable glow-up in the years ahead. New planning documents outline a revised vision for a second Hotel X tower and a four-storey performance venue that would add a new mid-size destination for concerts and live events at the grounds. The project has been reworked multiple times since first emerging in 2021, but the latest plans include a scaled-back venue capacity alongside a taller hotel and a revamped public realm plan.

According to a cover letter submitted to the city in December as part of the revised site plan approval application, the proposed entertainment venue will be “a tiered modern concert venue, which can seat up to 5,500 patrons.” And it wouldn’t be solely for musical performances: it’ll also host esports competitions, conventions, corporate events, product launches and awards shows!

The hotel part of the proposal is also significant, calling for 370 hotel units in a 32-storey tower, along with 382 parking spaces (86 surface stalls plus 296 underground) and 99 bike spaces (30 short-term at grade and 69 long-term below grade). The project would replace a 27,600 m² surface parking lot at 125 Princes’ Boulevard (2 Strachan Ave), just west of Stanley Barracks and south of Princes’ Gate, with the existing Hotel X complex located farther east.

Rendering of proposed concert venue (city of Toronto)

Plans also include a redesigned public realm with a plaza along Princes’ Boulevard, new pedestrian connections (including an elevated link between the buildings) and an archaeological overlook under a glass canopy. The cover letter notes that the site design “supports and emphasizes a direct north-south pedestrian link from the Exhibition Place GO Station” down to the pedestrian bridge over Lake Shore Boulevard West.

As with most new developments, reaction online has been mixed, but the proposed 5,500-seat performance venue is clearly what people are watching most closely. In a recent Reddit thread about the project, some argued that the size could fill a gap in Toronto’s live-event lineup, with one calling it “a smart idea” because the city doesn’t have many true mid-sized rooms, while another said it “fits nicely between History/Rebel (2–3000) and Coca-Cola Coliseum (9000).”

Not everyone’s convinced it’s the right trade-off, though. A few commenters noted that the site currently functions as event parking and CNE overflow space, with one user warning the lots are “the heart of the CNE Midway.”

Move over, Yorkville: Summerhill is stealing all the new boutiques in Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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4:33 pm

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A few months ago, a new yet familiar face joined the Summerhill retail landscape permanently: outerwear brand Luxton. The womenswear label caught the eye of savvy shoppers in 2021, when it popped up in the neighbourhood, filled with head-to-toe ski jumpsuits that were a fashion innovation at the time. But the pop-up came to an end, and founder Dinah Luxton says she’s been dreaming of a permanent shop in the same area since then — she just never anticipated that it would come together in 24 hours.

“I had an agreement with an American retailer in Yorkville to do a pop-up there, and then three weeks before, they cancelled it,” she says. “We had already made all the product, and I was like, ‘I need to find a store tomorrow.’”

Luxton stumbled upon the space at 1160 Yonge St. in Summerhill, a second-floor storefront that she says hadn’t been used in 25 years. “My biggest lesson from that is when a door closes, another door opens — as long as you can get over the first door closing quickly.”

Although the new store may have come about in less than ideal circumstances, Luxton says she couldn’t be happier with both the space and the location. “The neighbourhood feels lucky to me. I feel like the customers here are willing to take a risk,” she says. “They’re global shoppers, and if you’re doing something a little bit edgy, you need an adventurous customer.”

That edginess began with Luxton’s signature cinchable, multi-pocket puffer jumpsuit and has continued into her first spring line in 2025, which features a raincoat design that was inspired by a gap in the designer’s own closet.

“I didn’t see a raincoat out there that answered all the pain points I had. Why do I have to be sweaty and clammy?”

Her answer was the cinch raincoat and the boomerang trench. Made of fabric sourced from a premium mill in South Korea that specializes in waterproofing, both designs are built to be breathable.

“We launched the collection in spring, and we held some private events and people freaked out over the raincoat,” Luxton says. “Everything sold out!”

luxtonboutique — The new Luxton boutique in Summerhill, courtesy Dinah Luxton.

The launch of the womenswear brand’s permanent home in Summerhill is just the latest store opening that indicates a shift happening in the city. The neighbourhood is fast becoming a competitor to Yorkville and Ossington, transforming from a quieter residential corner of Toronto to a trendy shopping and nightlife destination. Restaurants and bars have popped up all over the neighbourhood, from cocktail lounge Le Tigre to Seahorse and, soon enough, the second location of Ossington’s popular Greek destination Mamakas.

For Luxton, the area was always going to be her dream destination. “One of my clients came in today with her three girls, and she moved to Peterborough a few years ago. She told me this is the neighbourhood she comes to visit,” Luxton says. “They’re strolling down the street and they’re going to do the whole afternoon here, and I love that. There’s just something for everyone here — all these special places for food and shopping.”

The new store is open seven days a week, but Luxton is quick to note that it isn’t perfect — and she likes it that way. “It’s really cool to see a place that just is what it is,” she says. “The garments are perfect; to me, that’s the important part.”

A longtime Toronto restaurant is shutting down — and a major steak house group might be taking over

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:48 am

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SnapInsta Ai 3605684958481315814 — The Miller Tavern

The Miller Tavern is preparing to close its Bay Street location following the sale of the restaurant’s assets, marking the end of a long run at one of downtown Toronto’s most familiar dining addresses. Fans of the downtown spot have until March 30 to drop in for a final round of drinks or a farewell meal before operations wrap up.

But according to a source, the space won’t stay dark for long. The team behind The Butcher Chef has reportedly acquired the property and is planning a full renovation, with a new steak house concept aimed at delivering a more approachable price point.

SnapInsta Ai 3353011229432401667 — The Butcher Chef

Currently located at 8 Harbour Street, The Butcher Chef is an intimate boutique steak house co-owned by Michael Dabic and executive chef Derek Von Raesfeld. The restaurant has built a reputation for premium globally sourced and local cuts —including A5 Wagyu —served through a meticulous multi-course tasting format, paired with an extensive wine list and highly detailed service.

The reported Bay Street project signals a shift in scale and accessibility: still steak-forward, but designed for a broader downtown crowd.

The Miller Tavern’s Financial District outpost delivered an elevated tavern atmosphere thanks to elevated dishes, including seafood towers, premium steaks and an extensive cocktail program. For years, it functioned as the go-to spot for corporate lunches and after-work rituals — until hybrid work and changing foot traffic began reshaping the area’s dining patterns.

While the Bay Street chapter is ending, The Miller’s roots stretch back to 1857. The original Hogg’s Hollow location at 3885 Yonge Street was built by William and James Hogg as the York Mills Hotel. Over time, the space evolved from a local inn to a Prohibition-era gambling den, later becoming the Jolly Miller Hotel. A major 2004 renovation transformed the historic Georgian Revival property — complete with red brick, corbelled chimneys and steep gables— into the modern Miller Tavern known today, blending heritage architecture with modern touches like a raw bar and art-driven interiors.

For now, diners have a few final weeks to drop in, order a last seafood tower and say goodbye. If the reports are right, the next version of the space will swap the tavern feel for a more casual, approachable steakhouse.

Marilyn Denis announces radio departure after 40 years and says adventure is ahead

By

Julia Mastroianni

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10:13 am

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For decades, Canadians have been waking up to Marilyn Denis’ voice on her CHUM 104.5 radio show. Now, after 40 years, the broadcasting icon announced Thursday morning that she’s stepping away from her hosting role — and hinted at her future.

“It’s no secret that I love radio. Working in the iconic CHUM universe for 40 years has been an absolute privilege,” said Marilyn Denis in a statement. “As I make the decision to step away from the station I love, I look back with pride and gratitude, knowing I had the honour of saying, ‘I worked at CHUM’. And now, the real adventure is ahead – and I’m looking forward to all of it.”

Denis auditioned to be Roger Ashby’s co-host at CHUM 104.5 in 1986, landing the gig that she would become known for in Canada. She dominated this country’s morning media, hosting daytime talk show Cityline from 1989 to 2008 before launching her own show, The Marilyn Denis Show, which premiered in 2011 and ran for 13 seasons.

The radio legend has been joined by a few different co-hosts over the years, including most recently Jamar McNeil and, currently, David Corey. In June 2024, the CHUM show was officially renamed The Marilyn Denis Show.

Fans of Denis will still be able to enjoy her on the air for a few more months; she’ll be stepping down in the summer (an exact date has yet to be announced). In the lead up to her final morning show broadcast, CHUM 104.5 will be celebrating Denis’ career and legacy with surprises and other on-air fun.

“Marilyn’s historic career has spanned radio and television, and she has connected with listeners and viewers across the country through her candid approach, sense of humour, and ability to lead unforgettable conversations and interviews,” said Dave Daigle, Bell Media Studios executive. “While we will all miss having Marilyn wake us up every morning, we are incredibly proud to have been her home for the last 40 years.”

It’s unclear right now what’s next for Denis, but she’s shared that there are adventures ahead for her. Maybe we’ll see her back on the air (or on our TVs) soon enough!