Organizers for Toronto’s annual Portugal Day Parade say this year’s festivities will look a little different come June
participants will march along a new route that stretches across St
and cuts through the city’s Corso-Italia neighbourhood
The parade was traditionally held on Dundas Street West in Little Portugal. However, organizers with the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario (ACAPO) told OMNI News that it wasn’t possible to continue the parade on Dundas this year
ACAPO President José Eustáquio says the new route is an enormous change
When looking for a new location for the parade
Clair Avenue because of its sizable Portuguese community
which continues to grow due to gentrification and shifting neighbourhood dynamics
The parade is scheduled to begin at Oakwood Avenue at 10:00 a.m. on Sat. June 7, 2025 and will end at Caledonia Road. Meanwhile, Do West Fest is planned to take over the streets of Little Portugal that same weekend
Last month, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced that the City would contribute more than $2.5 million in funding for 64 Toronto festivals. According to City records, ACAPO will receive $18,000 for Portugal Week 2025
Eustáquio says this is only the second time the festival has been able to secure funding from the City and hopes the Ontario government will follow suit when the province’s budget is tabled on May 15
“We’re hoping … that we can count on the province for some support,” Eustáquio said at a press conference
The festival will return to Earlscourt Park after a seven-year hiatus and will take place during the first weekend of June
Organizers say the events will feature live music
The festival is planned to wrap up on June 9 with a concert by singer João Pedro Pais at the Axis Club on College Street
The first Portugal Day celebrations in Toronto were held in 1966
when several thousand people gathered near Exhibition Place to celebrate Portuguese culture and commemorate the death of Luís de Camões
a famous poet and literary icon whose work has been compared to Shakespeare.
As the community resettled in the Dundas West Area throughout the 1970s-80s
Trinity-Bellwoods Park became the main site of the festival’s events
June is Portuguese Heritage Month and June 10 was officially declared Portugal Day in Canada back in 2017
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Development ProjectsCitiesTorontoReal Estate NewsOther (Canada)FeaturedTrueRendering of 450 Dufferin Street/Superkül
Dining al fresco is among the most anticipated spring and summer activities in Toronto
but the garbage pickup schedule on some of the city’s popular streets is putting a damper on patio drinks with a side of sun
College Street and Dundas West areas Thursday is garbage day — the day many consider Friday “lite.” It’s also one of the busiest nights for hospitality businesses in those neighbourhoods
“With the garbage night being on Thursday
it doesn’t lend itself to being the most amazing atmosphere — sitting next to garbage bins,” Ossington BIA manager Meg Marshall tells CityNews
with support from Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik
In a letter to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC) last month
they said “the presence of garbage bins on Thursday nights negatively impacts the dining experience for patrons enjoying the vibrant nightlife and outdoor dining options.”
Marshall says several area businesses have expressed concerns about the state of the sidewalks on Thursday nights specifically in relation to increased visitor traffic
“The sidewalks are not only cluttered with countless garbage bins
but with copious bags of waste and overflow recycling as well
Pedestrians maneuver their way through this obstacle course as the sidewalk is reduced to half its width and patio goers dine alongside the garbage,” she said in her letter to the IEC
The chair of the Little Portugal BIA adds that it doesn’t make the best impression on tourists
but people that come from out of town look at us probably thinking that we must be a really dirty bunch
So it is something that definitely should be changed to a less busy day of the week,” says AnaBela Taborda
“And this is something that business owners really care about
which is to ensure that they do everything that they can to make the experience of dining as enjoyable as possible to their patrons.”
She adds that moving garbage pickup day would go a long way in supporting the local businesses in the affected areas
“Small businesses are our backbone … so we need to help them with everything that we can,” she says
adding that unclean streets can turn people away and are bad for business
“What draws people to a neighborhood
So we want to make sure that we can maintain clean
safe streets and garbage is a part of that,” she says
“Especially being monikered one of the ‘coolest streets in the world’ — we have to live up to that
We have to look at things from different perspectives and do what we can
to try and support [Ossington as a] continued destination.”
Malik also emphasizes the need to support small businesses
“In this time of tariffs and additional economic pressures
my priority is to support our small business community and encourage residents to shop and eat local,” she says
“My goal is to create a more welcoming environment during the busiest evenings
ultimately supporting the thriving night economy and contributing to the continued success of these vital west-end neighbourhoods.”
The hope is to review the collection schedule and move garbage pickup to an off-peak day like Tuesday or Wednesday
when patios aren’t packed with people
“Shifting collection from Thursday evenings to an off-peak night will significantly enhance the ambiance and appeal of these vibrant hubs during their busiest times,” says Coun
driven by community feedback and designed to support our thriving night economy
would demonstrate a commitment to create a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for residents
Both Marshall and Torbado say it will likely take some time for the change to go through the various levels at City Hall
so they don’t expect the revision in time for this patio season
“Nothing’s going to happen overnight
Things with the city always take time — reports and consultation have to be done
But we have to start at some point,” says Marshall
“It has to go through proper due process … and if it’s a 2026 implementation
and fingers crossed that we can find a solution that makes sense for everybody.”
The motion passed unanimously at the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting last month with no debate and will be considered by city council in upcoming meetings this week
The College Street location is set to open its doors on Thursday
A new “No Frills” location is set to open its doors in downtown Toronto’s Little Italy and Little Portugal neighbourhoods on Thursday
The discount grocery store will be replacing high-end Italian supermarket Pusateri’s
who first announced they would be opening in this exact location in February 2023 before plans fell through
A post shared by PJ’s NoFrills (@pjsnofrills)
PJ Mazzonna is set to be the new owner of the College Street No Frills location
extending the message of “We help Little Italy and Little Portugal get the frill out of its bill,” in a company billboard
The new downtown location joins a first-of-it’s-kind
small format No Frills store at the corner of King and Shaw streets that opened in May 2024 featuring a 15,000 square foot space that is less than half the size of a traditional location
“The new, smaller format gives us flexibility when determining new locations, whether in urban or rural settings, we can now open stores where Canadians need them most, improving access to lower cost food,” said Melanie Singh, president of Hard Discount, Loblaw Companies in a news release
the shopping experience will be comparable to the large format store,” Singh added
Customers can expect the same prices and in-store and flyer promotions as other locations
as well as increased access to affordable food
and special products and formats locally-sourced to meet the community’s preferences
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Toronto homeowners Julia King and Simon Beck turned to designer by Deborah Mesher of Drôle House Inc
to renovate their Little Portugal home in a way that would preserve its heritage while bringing a modern
satately sensibility.Kiely Ramos Photography
One of the many images that has stayed with me in Anthony De Sa’s excellent 2008 novel Barnacle Love is of the houses in Toronto’s Little Portugal
The street-facing façades present themselves as model citizens: free of clutter
with only the azulejo saint embedded into the wall by the front door to hint at who might be inside
In the more than two decades I’ve been writing for The Globe’s Real Estate section
I’ve come across a similar version of this
but one that has little to do with the homeowner’s country of origin
it’s about the change in how we live in the 2020s versus a century ago
as the only bathroom was a private affair up the staircase
But 21st-century Torontonians still love their Victorian and Edwardian homes
especially if there is desire to live in a walkable neighbourhood with a high street
what to do is exactly what Julia King and Simon Beck have done to their handsome Humewood neighbourhood house: keep the heritage face intact – front porch
reverse-gable roof – while adding a strikingly modern addition to the back
And then reconfigure room placement to meet today’s needs
Which usually starts with a much bigger kitchen: “The original impetus for doing this was that we wanted to modernize the kitchen,” confirms Mr
designer Deborah Mesher of Drôle House Inc.
Tacked onto the kitchen was a “dodgy addition” that contained the washer and dryer but kept natural light at bay
“I knew that that DIY addition at the back … had to come down,” says Ms
I knew it was a breach-point in the house.”
So this renovation snowball began to roll: if addition should go
why not extend the house out into the backyard a little more to drink in natural light
And although it’s not in the budget to do the entire second floor
King reached out for recommendations on Facebook
she was intrigued that they were local – Christie and Dupont streets – and that Ms
Mesher offered a design consultation for the very reasonable $399
Mesher says with a laugh when she admits she provided Ms
Beck with four to six scenarios of what could be done
Mesher provided names of a few she’d worked with since hanging her shingle in 2016
she also added Flux Developments to the list
since she’d seen their work and had been impressed
“We just felt that you knew what you were talking about,” Mr
“[Previous clients] said you had a strong interest in the design and attention to detail … and the price was fair.”
Mesher’s and Natalia Bieńkowska’s design has been executed so well that this writer pegged the renovation at $500,000
From the enlarged vestibule at the front (the canary yellow stairs to the second floor are the first happy thing a guest will notice) to the gorgeous wooden kitchen cabinets with burnt-orange pulls by Mooza Wood Arts (the second thing a guest will likely see)
past the curving royal blue wall which contains the new laundry room
and on to the candy-pop light fixtures by Luminaire Authentik that announce the lowered family room addition
the eye delights in a textbook example of clean material transitions
“Julia said at the very start of the project that she didn’t want a run of the mill kitchen,” Ms
“It was very important for us to have the natural wood,” adds Mr
“We really liked that option when you brought it to us
… It’s got a slight Scandinavian feel to it which I really like; it’s kind of a mixture of minimalist but colourful too.”
… They only used the double brick where they needed
from demolition on day one to handing over the keys was a mere six months
it’s no wonder this new model citizen has become so common on the older streets of Toronto
light-loving party at the back and a comfortable
“I like to sit on the sofa and just look at the house and think
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Dave LeBlanc is a contributing writer for The Globe and Mail
While other kids were trading hockey cards
Dave was charting the progress of the CN Tower
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Toronto Metropolitan University and York University
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He spent a few months living near Queen West in Little Portugal
BY Exclaim! StaffPublished Oct 1
Granduciel told Bonner that he stayed in the Queen West area for a few months; he didn't specify what brought him to town, but it was presumably because his partner Krysten Ritter filmed Orphan Black: Echoes in the city in 2022.
"Me and my kid, every morning we'd go to Mabel's for a morning croissant and coffee," he recalled, shouting out the bakery location at 1156 Queen Street West. "Then there was a coffee place next to Mabel's in a barber shop that I would get every morning. I would get a coffee from there, high quality, and then Bruce would get a croissant." The coffee shop in question is Major Treat Coffee, which closed back in March.
"This other place I liked to go was called Portuguese Grocery," he said — presumably referring to Fix Coffee + Bikes at 80 Gladstone Avenue. It isn't actually called "Portuguese Grocery," but the sign outside reads "Friendly Grocery Mercearia Portuguesa." Granduciel explained, "It's a coffee shop and bike shop. I just went in there, because they're still open, so I just got a delicious cup from that place. It's my favourite little spot."
Fully tying together his Philly roots with his time in Toronto, he shouted out former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse, who now coaches the Philadelphia 76ers. "He can come and play with us if he wants," Granduciel said, perhaps alluding to Nurse's habit of playing with bands like Arkells. "If he wants to jam a little Allman Brothers on stage with us. Open invite."
Hear Bonner's conversation with Granduciel and bassist David Hartley below. In the chat, Granduciel notes that the War on Drugs currently don't have any new material in the works, meaning that it will still be a while before they follow up I Don't Live Here Anymore.
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1153 Queen Street West/Turner Fleischer Architects
With some of the best value food south of the river
Little Portugal remains permanently overlooked
Going Out | Restaurants
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hundreds of Portuguese families abandoned the autocratic rule of the Iberian peninsula in favour of liberal London
The twin dictatorships of Salazar in Portugal and Franco in Spain left little to be desired
the Portuguese community in the affordable South Lambeth area was establishing itself as a hub for inbound immigrants
working predominantly in London’s growing hospitality scene
Fast-forward and the Nineties saw the biggest influx of Portuguese nationals settle in the area
with many following in their family footsteps
or hearing from more distant relations that south London was calling out for neighbourhood restaurants
there are vast swathes of Londoners and food media folk and influencers who are seemingly devoted to notions of “authenticity”
Somehow Little Portugal — a neighbourhood full of second-generation restaurateurs who still use grandma’s recipes and Portuguese-only products to make a host of dishes rarely found anywhere else in the UK — remains perennially overlooked
Nowadays about eight per cent of Lambeth is of Portuguese heritage
but Portuguese restaurants make up a far greater proportion of local restaurants; an indication of their outsized influence
accessible nature and ultimately delicious fare
where imports of tapas reign supreme and roasted Segovian pigs and paella inflect menus across the capital
Portugal’s culinary repertoire is far less known
Nuno Mendes gives it a fair go at Lisboeta
but the fineries of Michelin-stardom prohibit
and so for homely and affordable takes on açorda
this tiny joint is festooned with signed Benfica kits
memorabilia and TVs perma-tuned to Portuguese football
But they also serve some of the best arroz de marisco (seafood rice) in town
with beautifully fresh fish heaped high over silky rice — a portion that demands a doggy bag
with espetada (meat hung ceremonially from a skewer
which later became churrasco) and the best Superbock around
A larger restaurant with a sprawling terrace; when the sun is out
it really feels like a little slice of downtown Porto
with the classic francesinha sandwich served perfectly
but the real joy of the restaurant is found on the daily
Pork with clams is on heavy rotation; tender belly alongside plump fresh clams
The meats are good too: often half or whole roasted rabbit will make an appearance and when it does
everything arrives with fries and rice and salad
only improving the already astonishing value
111-115 South Lambeth Road, SW8, estrelabar.com
A marker of many Little Portugal restaurants
the portions at Velho are almost comically generous
fundamentally delicious: clams arrive steaming with lashings of garlic and fresh parsley in a simple wine sauce; bacalhau à brás with rich salt cod
with most bottles under £45 and some oak-aged reds for bolshier occasions
Bifanas (tasty pork sandwiches punched up with spiced oil and mustard slathered on the crisp bun) have become slightly better known of late
Here at A Toca these beef sandwiches are king
chicken gizzards cooked down till absurdly tender in a rich tomato sauce
341 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2JH, atoca-restaurant.co.uk
Inarguably the most refined option on the list
the trappings of a slightly higher end restaurant don’t diminish the pleasure to be found in the menu
everything is probably 15 or 20 per cent more expensive than elsewhere on this page
but this is a Portuguese spot for special occasions
a nod to the former fishing capital of the country
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353 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2JH, restaurantelusitania.co.uk
It’s important to note that the food community in Little Portugal extends beyond the walls of traditional restaurants
locals have depended on stores like Delicias to find produce which can only be sourced from their native countries (plural
as both Portuguese and Brazilian staples are stocked here)
Expect to find the walls awash with high-grade single origin olive oils
huge cinder-blocks of salted cod and the best range of queso fresco imaginable
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TorontoVideo shows dramatic police take-down in Toronto’s west endBy Joanna LavoieOpens in new windowPublished: April 14, 2025 at 10:03PM EDT
Viewer video obtained by CTV News Toronto shows a dramatic police take-down in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighbourhood over the weekend.
The incident happened near Dundas Street West and Dufferin Street around 3:45 p.m. last Friday.
In the footage, four officers with guns drawn can be seen yelling at the occupants of a smoking 2021 Chevy Silverado, moments after it was boxed it by several marked cruisers on Dundas and two suspects were forcefully removed.
Police say the driver intentionally rammed into aand damaged two police cars as he tried to flee.
Investigators told CTV News Toronto the vehicle’s two occupants allegedly refused exit, which lead them to smash a window before dragging the suspects out of the pickup.
Toronto police say a special constable had spotted and flagged a stolen truck that was seen a short time earlier near Dundas and Dovercourt Road.
“We heard a lot of screeching, some crashing, eventually saw the police boxing him in, but at that point we went to the back of the store in case his truck got loose and came through the front of our store,” a local flower shop owner told CTV News Toronto.
“It was really bad. … It was like we were watching a really bad movie,” described another local business owner.
A man named Stephen who saw what happened called the situation a “ruckus.”
“I just saw a truck steaming and trying to get past the barricades the cops set up,” he said.
“Weapons were drawn. [The officers] were trying to get the people in the vehicle to get out - they wouldn’t get out and had cops jumping over the vehicle.”
Christopher Leonardo, 42, of no fixed address, was subsequently arrested and charged with seven offences, including stealing a car, dangerous driving, breaching probation, and operating a vehicle when prohibited from doing so.
Court documents show that Leonardo has a lengthy criminal record dating back to May 2022 – 30 prior charges in total – including a handful of car thefts, dangerous driving, operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited from doing so, breach of probation, and multiple assaults, including assault with a weapon.
A 38-year-old woman, McKenzie Whiteman, of no fixed address, has also been charged with possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000 in connection with the incident.
They were both scheduled to appear in bail court on April 12.
The brazen incident, which happened during one of the busiest parts of the day, has shocked people in the area, especially since Leonardo has several previous related charges.
“It’s just catch and release, catch and release, catch and release. Something needs to be done about that,” Stephen said.
“So many police I’ve never seen, so many police with guns in front with my eyes,” a local hair salon owner said.
With files from CTV News Toronto’s Janice Golding
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11 months agoDuration 2:15Historic Toronto church holding valuable artwork gutted by fire11 months agoNewsDuration 2:15A four-alarm fire has largely destroyed the historic St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighbourhood. The flames also destroyed valuable paintings inside, including the only known religious artwork made by the Group of Seven.
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A historian characterized the fire as a “catastrophe for Canadian architecture
When I visited the site of the fire on the day after the blaze, it was difficult to take in the sight of the fire-ravaged church. Bystanders were struggling to make meaning of the profound loss
and clergy displaced by the fire were on the streets to provide solace
The church is now trying to regroup by moving activities to a parish hall, and a GoFundMe campaign is underway to support rebuilding
The study of protection of historic sites during disaster tells us that cultural heritage is a fixed and nonrenewable resource. In St. Anne’s Church, a collection of religious murals — including some by the Group of Seven — form part of Toronto’s cultural patrimony that has now been lost
At the time of writing, fire investigators are still determining the cause of the St. Anne’s Church fire. Arson is not suspected
From a fire safety perspective, historical structures present unique fire safety challenges
St. Anne’s church was built between 1907 and 1908. The church did not have an installed fire sprinkler system because it was built prior to the existence of modern fire codes
Efforts could have been made anytime in the last 117 years to better safeguard the structure from fire
Anne’s parishioners should have alone absorbed that burden to protect the structure and its contents valued by the wider community
Anne’s have been better helped by heritage and government programs supporting historical preservation
On July 22, 1968, workers were doing some roofing maintenance and repair on the bell towers, when one reportedly carelessly disposed of a smouldering cigarette. The church’s wood chip insulation ignited, and fire quickly spread through the 60-year-old structure’s wooden frame
For the recovery, decisions were made that the effort would not try to recreate the old cathedral. Rather, the fire was commemorated as the ruins were incorporated into the design of the new cathedral. Manitoba architect Étienne Gaboury created a new hybrid construction
In 1971, a new chapel reopened within the ruins of the previous building. Today, the new smaller cathedral incorporates the ruins of the burned façade. The unique redesign of St. Boniface now serves as the space for a continuation of over 200 years of religious practice, along with being a unique architectural asset for Winnipeg
Barriers to retrofitting the church with modern fire suppression systems include making modern alterations to the original historic building, managing a very challenging task and obtaining the money to get it done
it may be found that those barriers may seem small as compared to the tasks that may be faced with replacing the entire structure
notwithstanding the loss of irreplaceable cultural artifacts
determination and support from the wider community are needed for St
Anne’s fire is a cautionary tale about what happens when we know how to reduce risks to safeguard our cultural heritage
but then for a variety of reasons we do not
Little Portugal on Dundas Street West has been a hub for Toronto’s Portuguese and Lusophone communities for decades
but like many other culturally distinct neighbourhoods in the city is changing with redevelopment and other factors
Bairrada Churrasqueira Grill is a 34-year Portuguese restaurant mainstay that has grown to three locations in and around Little Portugal
The location on College Street is the biggest
their mission is serving up authentic cuisine to the masses
At the restaurant near Sheridan Avenue and Dundas Street West
general manager Denis Pirez and members of his team were working to get ready for the day as CityNews visited
preparations often involve roasting mouthwatering piri piri chicken — a staple in Portuguese cuisine
“It’s the sauce that really makes the chicken and it’s a special recipe that we’ve had in our family for probably 80 years,” he said
Other items available at the hot table included cod (a process that takes the staff three days to wash out the salt it’s cured in)
Other menu items can include fresh seafood and steak as well as wines and other beverages imported right from Portugal
Pirez said he and the staff want to make sure Portuguese culture and the approach to food is extended to visitors
“There’s something to be said about breaking bread together and having a family dinner and it’s very always very important … people come together at night because everyone’s busy during the day and then making sure that they sit down together and have a meal together,” he said
Manuel DaCosta is a producer at Camões Radio in Toronto
a Portuguese radio and broadcast outlet located on College Street
He echoed the importance of food in Portuguese culture
“Portuguese are not only known for hard work
Our gastronomy is probably one of the best in the world
I’m not suggesting that here is as good as in Portugal
but we do have some excellent restaurants,” he said
DaCosta said there are an estimated 180,000 Portuguese people in the Greater Toronto Area plus many other Lusophone populations (people from countries where Portuguese is spoken)
He said he and others at the station are continually trying to serve the audience
“We do discuss world views and world events
and particularly we have a lot to discuss about Canada,” DaCosta said
noting every Friday evening he hosts a call-in show to discuss a variety of issues
“The Portuguese community in Canada is vibrant (and) contributes to the betterment of this country.”
he said the area became a go-to destination — particularly during the 1950s when legal immigration took off — and eventually expanded east toward Kensington Market
The Little Portugal neighbourhood today is roughly bounded by College Street
the GO Transit Kitchener line and UP Express rail corridor
“These are historical pathways for us
That’s where it started,” he said
DaCosta said the name has taken on more of a symbolic meaning
“These are places that have more of an historical place today than actually Portuguese or Greeks or Italians living there,” he said
Outside the radio station at Crawford and College streets
the Portuguese Walk of Fame was setup to honour the community and extraordinary individuals in it
Recently a large sculpture was erected to mark 70 years of legal immigration
“We shouldn’t hide who we are we should really promote who we are to be able to integrate ourselves socially and politically
Among those working to preserve the past is the Little Portugal Toronto Business Improvement Area
this will continue to be Little Portugal,” BIA chair AnaBela Taborda said during an interview
younger generations wanting to leave family businesses
and real estate growth have all contributed to change in the area
The BIA has turned to the arts to help tell its stories — past and the present
Taborda said they’ve helped put up murals and public art pieces
The organization is even in the midst of developing an augmented reality installation
“We are very arts-oriented in this area,” she said
We have some unique stores that I think people will be quite surprised … it is amazing what you will find
like little areas you didn’t expect them.”
One of the eye-catching murals is on the north side of Dundas Street West
It pays homage to women who immigrated from Portugal and worked as janitorial workers throughout downtown Toronto and at Queen’s Park in the 1970s
eventually leading to the “Cleaner’s Action” labour organizing movement
Despite the changing demographics in Little Portugal
“You can drive around in bicycles and you see a lot of people with their children taking them to school
So definitely this community is extremely vibrant and I think that will continue,” Taborda said
Pirez said they’re trying to embrace changes in the community
“We look forward to greeting and seeing new people in the neighborhood … I think we don’t have to be scared of losing people
I think people will always come to the area
We’ll always be known as Little Portugal,” he said
we have to change how do we perform as well and adapt to the new clientele — that’s our responsibility and (we’re) trying to come up with something for the new neighborhood.”
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St. Anne’s Anglican Church, a national historic site in the Little Portugal neighbourhood of Toronto
has been destroyed after a four-alarm fire Sunday morning
who has served as the parish priest for the past three years
as he was getting ready to come to the church when he got a text message from a parishioner about smoke
He then got a flurry of calls and messages about the fire
“While this is incredibly devastating for my congregation
it’s devastating for this community,” Beyers said
located on Gladstone Avenue near Dundas Street West
Crews and nearby residents reported seeing heavy smoke at the property along with broken windows
flames could be seen shooting out from the top of the church
CityNews received reports the smoke could be seen several blocks away
Toronto Fire Services deputy chief Jim Jessop said firefighters worked to stop the blaze from spreading
Adjoining properties were evacuated as a precaution and a safety zone was established around the building in case it collapsed
Firefighters set up water towers to deal with flames on the property’s exterior
“The fire was deep-seated at the beginning … but as you can see the building is completely destroyed right now and as [are] all the artifacts inside,” he told reporters
Jessop said that given the heat of the flames
the building’s age and the amount of water used to extinguish the fire
it’s “probable” there will be further collapses of the structure
Officials said there were no reports of any injuries
Beyers said the church was closed and locked at the time the fire broke out
Jessop said Toronto Fire Services investigators will remain at the site for the next several days while the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal and Toronto police investigators are expected to conduct a joint probe into the blaze
There weren’t any immediate indications of what caused the fire
According to the church’s website
a Sunday service was scheduled for 10:30 a.m
was designated a national historic site in 1996 and in 1980 it was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act by the City of Toronto
“Built in the Byzantine style, St. Anne’s was designed by the noted Toronto architect Ford Howland to serve a large and vigorous parish,” the Ontario Heritage Trust noted.
“Renowned for its role in the development of Anglican congregations in western Toronto and for its social mission in the Parkdale district, St. Anne’s remains active in community life.”
Early paintings by three Group of Seven members and other prominent Canadian artists were installed along the interior in the 1920s. The murals decorated the chancel and the dome, which was destroyed in the blaze.
In 1923, the church commissioned founding Group of Seven member J.E.H. MacDonald to oversee designs depicting the life of Christ on the building’s interior, according to the St. Anne’s website. MacDonald then signed on nine other artists, including Franklin Carmichael and Frederick Varley.
The three men formed part of the school of landscape painters known as the Group of Seven, renowned for their vibrant depictions of windswept forests and boreal ruggedness that helped forge a romanticized sense of Canadian vitality and independence.
“The artwork was priceless. It was murals, beautiful murals,” Beyers told reporters. “They were stunning.”
“This was the only church that featured artwork by members of the Group of Seven and I’m sorry to say that has been lost based on what I see,” he said, adding there were also images of St. Anne and St. George.
“It’s something we cannot replace in Canada and the world,” Davenport Coun. Alejandra Bravo noted.
The now gutted space hosted choral performances, meals, musical theatre, film productions, weddings and other special events, as well as providing a place of worship and prayer. Bravo said the church was a valued community hub for many.
“I don’t think it’s possible to describe the tremendous loss that you see behind us,” she said.
“Davenport has lost something that can never be replaced. The grief that people are expressing to our office is tremendous. It’s something that we share. We are here to support the congregation, to support the work that is going to follow.”
Beyers said he and the Anglican Diocese of Toronto are committed to rebuilding.
“We will rise from this, we will come back stronger and we will have every intention to serve this great community,” he said.
Marit Stiles, who represents the riding provincially and also leads the Ontario NDP, echoed his comments of hope.
“This is going to be a tremendous loss for the community, but it’s not over, because we will rebuild.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow highlighted the perseverance of the church’s parishioners if not its physical form.
“The spirit of the place, however – how they are so compassionate to everyone around them – will still be there,” she said.
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11 months agoDuration 3:54What we know so far about the fire that destroyed a historic church in Toronto11 months agoNewsDuration 3:54The congregation of St. Anne's Anglican Church is mourning the loss of their place of worship in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighbourhood on Sunday. CBC’s Greg Ross has the latest on the investigation into the fire.
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London
Tia Maria looks like a typical British pub
you’re welcomed into a blend of dining spaces and dancing areas
whisking you from London to the samba and football land of Brazil
You’ll find Tia Maria nestled in the streets of south Lambeth
in the vibrant enclave known affectionately as Little Portugal. This neighbourhood emerged organically during the 1960s and 1970s
fuelled by an influx of Portuguese migrants seeking prosperity in the UK
Portuguese is the second most common language here, with an estimated 30,000 Portuguese people calling it their home. ‘It’s like being transported back to Portugal,’ says Daniela Martins
who is from Lazarim and has called the UK home for more than eight years
‘I can speak my language freely and savour the flavours of home.’
the Portuguese community has woven a tapestry of culture and tradition
establishing a home away from home via Portuguese-owned shops
and eateries selling the iconic pastéis de nata egg custard tarts
rissoles savoury patties rolled in breadcrumbs and bacalhau salted cod dishes – each a delicious testament to Portugal’s culinary heritage
it was almost by chance that Tia Maria came to be when it opened more than a decade ago. ‘One day
right across the street from where we are today,’ says Eduardo Dantas
‘This guy was Portuguese and didn’t want to run his business anymore; it was barely open
He insisted that I should open a Brazilian restaurant
‘‘I’ll do anything; I’ll negotiate the deposit
just open a Brazilian place here’’
the business needed to move out of its original location to accommodate crowds
an opportunity appeared to move to a larger pub across the street
where it has thrived ever since. ‘We know many stories of people who have come together and got married through meeting at Tia Maria,’ says Eduardo
Many people sometimes come to celebrate here because they met here
Tia Maria is a bustling venue known for its delicious food and live music
clients can take forró dance classes while eating portions of cassava fries with various dipping sauces
or the favoured coxinhas crispy chicken croquettes filled with a creamy chicken mixture
coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.
From the Portuguese-owned restaurant A Toca, to Casa Benfica
where Benfica football fans gather to celebrate their passion for the team, Tia Maria is just one of the spaces in Little Portugal which makes the area more than just a culinary haven; it’s also a hub of cultural celebration
the neighbourhood comes alive with the festivities of Festa de São João and Festa de Santo António
traditional music and spirited dancing fill the streets.
Tia Maria is hosting a São João Party on July 7
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Zachary Russell is the digital editor at Chain Store Age
He has been with CSA’s parent company EnsembleIQ since 2021
first serving as associate editor at Store Brands
he was a freelance reporter covering local news stories of all kinds for the Press & Guide and The News-Herald newspapers
Zach graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in print and online Journalism in 2020
Connect with Zach on LinkedIn.
and has plans to expand into the United States
Monos has officially opened its second retail location in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighborhood
arriving after the brand opened its flagship store in Vancouver last year
Designed in collaboration with interior and concept design studio Ste Marie
Monos said the store’s interior is influenced by a “gentle surrealist interpretation of Portugal’s pousadas (historic buildings)
evoking a dreamlike quality through its soft
sweeping forms and carefully curated material palette.”
starting with two of the nation’s three biggest markets
“We are excited to weave ourselves into the dynamic tapestry of the Little Portugal community through our Toronto store," said Victor Tam
we are thrilled to share that this is just the beginning
we are set to take our immersive retail experiences to the global stage with eight new stores across the U.S.
kick-starting with none other than New York City and Chicago.”
guests will be treated to special refreshments in collaboration with its neighbors at Nutbar and an exclusive in-store limited edition gift with purchase for early customers
The store will also feature a custom art installation created in partnership with local artists
we see retail as an opportunity to create artful and interesting experiences
and to let our brand manifest itself in physical space," said Hubert Chan
chief creative officer and co-founder at Monos
"Our collaboration with Ste Marie to transform the Ossington store into an immersive space is truly special.”
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a transition he says was made to develop a brand for the firm and pay homage to his family’s immigrant roots
“This time marks an important milestone in our evolution
and reflects a deeper connection to our origins as we move forward,” he says
his portfolio of work reflects a knack for reinvention
The project began as a basement renovation in 2018
the homeowners reconnected with Dang to enlist the firm’s services for a full-gut
The clients welcome local and wild growth in the front yard. Windows, Le Page
First on the list was to bring light into the home with a clean and modern interior
the clients wanted to respect the existing fabric of the neighbourhood and of the rowhouses along the block
“That’s why we modernized the exterior with grey slate shingles and dark vertical cladding but maintained the original design
configuration and proportions of the existing house,” says Dang
The fluted wood features are made entirely of white oak
warm fluted wood is a central focal point within the kitchen and dining area
This intentional use of texture is then echoed in the wood deck at both the front and back of the home
creating a cohesive and harmonious design throughout
the textural statement draws eyes without disrupting the Little Portugal reno’s styling of clean lines and a gentle palette
Countertop, island, Stone Tile; cabinet paint, Black Jack 2133-20, Benjamin Moore; custom millwork by Gibson Greenwood
“Contrast and texture were guiding principles in this project and helped to inspire the slatted wood elements,” says Dang
“The juxtaposition of light and dark
creates a dynamic visual rhythm that adds interest and complexity to the design
The contrast between elements also serves to enhance the effects of each element: the natural light seems brighter against the darker materials; the smooth countertops feel slick against the slatted wood millwork; the black windows and glass panes are bold frames to views throughout the house and to the exterior.”
Flooring, Stone Tile
Opening the home’s rear wall for a large slider was a major play in adding natural light throughout the first floor of the Little Portugal reno. Metal and glass panel doors from 1925Workbench were installed to provide separation between spaces without blocking sunlight
Shelving unit and custom millwork, Gibson Greenwood
Beyond the subtle integration of fluted wood
the dining room extends Dang’s emphasis on contrast through the use of striking black window framing and furniture
seamlessly weaving together individual and holistic elements
Glass panels, 1925Workbench
large skylights illuminate the stairwell and hallway
throughout the Little Portugal reno were conceptualized in collaboration with the homeowners
Originally from France and both with a background in design
they provided Dang with mockups for concepts they imaged in the home
“They were the perfect collaborators to bounce ideas off,” says Dang
“It was a very creative relationship where I would add my own spin to concepts they pulled from architecture abroad.”
an office area was a needed addition to the principal bedroom on the second floor
a stately home stands as a quiet testament to craft
But step inside and a different story unfolds—one of layered materials
meticulous detailing and a layout designed by ALMP Group—Zanetti Homes to grow with the family who lives there
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"We now have this great rooster and I hope it goes down in history so that everyone can come to Toronto and visit it
because it is unique in this area," said Lusa Anabela Taborda
president of the Little Portugal Commercial and Services Association
The official opening ceremony of the Barcelos rooster in Toronto's Little Portugal took place on Saturday
This is a physical mark of the Portuguese presence in the heart of Little Portugal in Toronto
in an art project “the fruit of two societies
Portuguese-Canadian councillor for the Municipality of Toronto
“The Barcelos rooster is also a symbol of honesty
With the public competition for the decoration of the rooster
we also wanted to involve the Canadian community in the creation of this Portuguese-Canadian rooster”
added the vice-president of the Canadian autarchy
In a partnership with the Little Portugal Commercial and Services Association at Dundas
the Consulate General of Portugal and the Associação Migrante de Barcelos
the 2.8 metre tall and 1.9 meter long rooster was donated by municipality of Barcelos
stressed that the 'Rooster of Barcelos' also meets the values of Canadian society
“Little Portugal currently represents in Toronto as a place of diversity and multiculturalism
but it perfectly embodies the spirit of this country
it will attract people who will come here to see the Rooster Barcelos”
Although Portugal is located more than five thousand kilometres from Canada
the Barcelos rooster will in the future also serve as a "source of inspiration for the Portuguese community in Canada"
that "hope is the last to die" because it succeeds
The winning artist of the public contest Julia Prajza explained that she was inspired by “Portuguese culture and landscape”
enhancing the colours of the sea in Portugal and the sunshine
in a modern touch of traditional art”
The event was attended by various personalities
Also participating in the ceremony were the Rancho Folclorico of the Associação Migrante de Barcelos and the Portuguese-Canadian singer Vicky Rai
Galo de Barcelos has been a registered trademark in Portugal
whose Municipality of Barcelos is the owner of the trademark
The Canadian Government estimates that more than 480,000 Portuguese and Portuguese descendants live in the country
We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to
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Check back in with us at any time to find out what's happening
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Firefighters have extinguished a two-alarm blaze at a Little Portugal restaurant
Emergency services were called to the scene at Dundas St
West and Dufferin Street just before 11 a.m
The fire has since been put out and no injuries have been reported
Toronto Fire say they found thick black smoke inside and discovered the fire in the cooking area
No occupants were inside the building at the time of the blaze
It’s unclear what which restaurant in the area was affected by the fire
Dundas was closed both ways from Rushholme Drive to Dovercourt Road
When Torontonians think of Little Portugal
they'll likely identify the western area around College and Dundas streets as the densest area of Portuguese businesses — not knowing that just 20 minutes north via Dufferin Street
another Portuguese enclave is in the midst of major changes
Castlefield and Oakwood communities is Rogers Road
street running east to west that is flush with businesses — mostly bakeries
grocery stores and beauty shops — run by locals
The businesses on Rogers Road mostly consist of markets
As Little Portugal to the south continues to see a steady introduction of trendy businesses that commonly inundate the downtown core
the Portuguese community is slowly shifting its entrepreneurial endeavours upwards to the less crowded Rogers Road
Many businesses like Banaboia Restaurant have been operating on Rogers Road for years
Stretching between Weston Road and Oakwood Avenue
the street falls victim to heavy traffic common of all the areas in this heavily industrial northwestern portion of Toronto
The street is populated with old buildings
and businesses rarely have adequate parking out front
Despite its somewhat lackluster appearance
Rogers Road is full of friendly businesses that are excited to bring new energy into the fold
In 2016, an assessment of the area by the city identified Rogers Road as a candidate for a revitalization project that aims to attract a younger demographic to the area
While changes are still in the making — parking options are tragically abysmal here — the neighbourhood is clearly in the throes of an economic shift
Ricardo and Catarina Pinto are second-generation owners of the longtime St
The Rogers Road BIA is currently in the making, say Catarina and Ricardo Pinto of St. Matthew’s BBQ chicken
and newer businesses owned by a second generation of young Portuguese owners are popping up quickly
Taking over the 24-year-old restaurant from Ricardo’s parents (who still live above the shop) the Pintos are an example of second-generation business owners raised on Rogers Road who are rejuvenating the area
Matthew's BBQ chicken specializes in grilled chicken with rice and potatoes
“Essentially we want to be the next College [Street],” says Ricardo
who is also a member of the Rogers Road BIA committee
While the process of gathering all the businesses together to form a BIA has taken some time
its eventual inception looks pretty inevitable
“I think for the most part people want to see improvement,” says Catarina
An old building that used to house an LCBO is now bustling with new businesses
Meanwhile, a block of business units (once an old LCBO) that once stood vacant now houses a dentist’s office and a handful of businesses run by young entrepreneurs like Melanie Fialho, owner of newly opened Mel’s Beauty Lounge
JL Candle is an artisanal candle shop run by Ana Leao and her husband Jose
There’s also JL Candle Art Design
an artisan shop featuring some beautiful candles and woodwork pieces handmade by Jose Leao
Fade Room claims to be the only barbershop in the city to be a fully licensed hair styling salon
In between is Fade Room by Claudio Ferreira
a barber whose past clients include a slew of celebrities like J.Cole and Bruno Caboclo of the Raptors
Some of Claudio Ferreira's past clients include rapper J.Cole and players from the TFC and Raptors
Closer to the main drag of Rogers Road by Old Weston Road there’s also Dreams Hair Salon run by Lanny Cabral and Vanessa Machado
Dreams Hair Salon is a go-to for locals looking for cuts and hair styling services
And right around the corner is perhaps the most notable new name to make its way to Rogers Road
one that will likely be the biggest influence on the streetscape
North of Brooklyn's fifth location on Roger's Road will act as the commissary for the pizzeria chain
A 1,600 square-foot pizzeria in the making
North of Brooklyn is in the process of constructing its fifth location with an accompanying 1,600 square-foot patio
The new restaurant features PacMan pizza murals on its washroom walls
this location will serve as the brand’s commissary
With a relatively low rent and proximity to their Geary Avenue location
Rogers Road made the ideal street for the pizzeria to set up shop
Nova Era is the mainstay of every Portuguese community in the city
The only restaurant to bring a downtown flavour to Rogers Road
it will sit across from one of the most old school establishments on Rogers Road: Nova Era
the stalwart bakery brand that serves as the cornerstone of every Portuguese community
Golden Wheat provides a bakery alternative at the corner of Keele and Rogers Road
Closer to Keele, a small corner plaza acts as a needed reprieve from exhausting traffic with spots like King’s BBQ Chicken, the popular Chifa restaurant, and Golden Wheat, the Portuguese bakery that also has a location in Little Italy
Make it through the constant traffic to get on Rogers Road and you might find yourself enamoured with this little street
You’ll find this area is bringing a new twist to old school
The new Little Portugal on Dundas BIA will assume responsibility for the running of the annual Dundas West Fest street festival
A merger of business improvement areas representing Dundas Street West is all but certain to become reality in a matter of weeks
A vote to approve combining the Little Portugal and Dundas West BIAs to create a new association is expected to be held at the Toronto council meeting
and the information within may be out of date
A vote to approve combining the Little Portugal and Dundas West BIAs to create a new association is expected to be held during the next Toronto council meeting
Should council vote in favour of the merger
the new body will advocate for businesses along Dundas Street West
from Shaw Street to west of Lansdowne Avenue
Proponents of the merger between the Little Portugal and Dundas West BIAs are so optimistic it will happen that they’ve already scheduled the Little Portugal on Dundas BIA’s inaugural general meeting for April 1
It makes sense to create a larger group because both BIAs already collaborate on major local undertakings such as the Dundas West Fest street festival
the BIAs have been working as one for a while now,” said Bordokas
“It doesn’t make sense to have two boards and two budgets.”
whose Davenport ward holds much of the new BIA’s area
Bailao said she looks forward to working with the new body
“The new Little Portugal on Dundas BIA will build on the great success of the previous BIAs
continuing to recognize the history of those who built this neighbourhood
and will enhance the vibrancy of our community for generations to come,” said Bailao
“It is very exciting to see these business and property owners come together to increase economic activity to compete in a changing commercial environment
and I look forward to working with the new BIA.”
representatives from the BIAs told the Neighbourhood Voice the merger would mean a unified and strengthened voice for Dundas West businesses
A new board is expected to be elected at the April meeting
likely comprising past members of the former BIAs
A co-ordinator will likely be appointed soon
and a logo for the new BIA introduced in the near future
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homeowners Matt Kingston and Michelle Bilodeau weren’t looking to move
but the opportunity to purchase a detached house with great bones on a quiet street was too good to pass up
this ambitious full-gut renovation gave the couple the opportunity to customize a house for their family of three and sizeable art collection
A wood box between the living room and kitchen helps define the two spaces
Designed by David Carrothers of Carrothers and Associates, and built by Damien Dupuis of Craftsman Modern
the art-filled renovation was a true collaboration with the homeowners
where everyone was experienced in the process,” says Dupuis
and they collectively weathered challenging circumstances
but Carrothers underscores that they are often more challenging than a new build
A painting by Kim Dorland hangs at the bottom of the stairs. A lightbox by artist Howie Tsui hangs on the wood partition between the living room and kitchen
A professional friendship between Carrothers and Kingston
paired with a previous renovation by the homeowners
Kingston’s background in development and construction
and a design-savvy contractor gave them a leg-up
A painting by Moridja Kitenge Banza hangs in an office nook in the kitchen
beside a thangka painting from a hillside Monastery in Kathmandu (left)
The 2,500-square-foot house now boasts a nine-foot-tall basement with a sauna and gym
ensuite bathrooms for each of the three bedrooms
all within the original footprint of the house
and grey cabinets are punctuated with the homeowners’ love of colour and contemporary art
The kitchen’s large dining area, with wood chairs by Coolican & Company and stools by Muuto, faces the backyard designed by North Design Office
In the kitchen, a gold-leafed wall is the perfect complement for a large Kent Monkman painting in an ornate frame that sits adjacent to a wall of glass sliders connecting the kitchen to the enviable backyard
The art-filled renovation balances bold pieces with soft
minimalist backdrops not to overwhelm the eye
bold colour choices make a statement in the art-filled renovation
The tunnel from the basement to the garage is bathed in aquamarine
imparting the feeling of being underwater – apropos of its proximity to the swimming pool above (left)
vibrant blue tiles frame the entry to the basement sauna
A door painted Yves Klein blue leads to the principal ensuite
with a double-sided fireplace between the bed and bathing areas
but as things evolved with shutdowns and sheltering at home
the owners added one major self-declared “pandemic purchase”: a backyard with an expansive wood deck
except that the pool in this full-gut renovation sits on top of the garage
owing to the sloping topography of the site
the shipping-container pool had to be craned over the house
Images derived from the French street artist Space Invader are the backdrop for outdoor living and dining areas shaded by a purple sail
pool and deck requiring its own Committee of Adjustment application was worth the effort
Now Kingston and Bilodeau have a house swimming in colour and the scent of chocolate in the air
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Bacalhau in bechamel — one of the many versions of the Portuguese salt cod customers can find at Bacalhau Grill
The restaurant and market has been open in San Jose's Little Portugal neighborhood since 1945. (Octavio Peña)In the heart of San Jose’s Little Portugal
a grocery store the size of a 7-Eleven features a wall of Ports and Vinho Verdes
stacks of garlicky linguiça and cases of imported cheese
But Bacalhau Grill isn’t just a specialty food market
you’ll see a full-fledged restaurant dining room with tables covered with checkered tablecloths
one diner was making quick work of a plate of picanha and fries while a couple split a pizza over a bottle of wine
A bakery display case was filled with flaky pastel de nata and Brazilian-style empanadas
“It’s the most complete [Portuguese] market in California,” says owner Mauricio da Silva
Bacalhau Grill has been feeding the city’s Portuguese families since 1945
opened it under the name Trade Rite Market
The Brazilian component to the store wouldn’t be added until the late 90s
the shop has also come to function as a cherished gathering place for the South Bay’s Portuguese and Brazilian communities
The opening of the Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish in East San Jose in 1919 served as an anchor for the local Portuguese community
Little Portugal flourished with businesses like Trade Rite Market
which catered to some of San Jose’s earliest Portuguese families
“It’s one of the lone existing businesses from that era in Little Portugal,” Vieira says
The store was eventually passed down to John and Lucile’s son
it has transferred ownership several times
along with the name “Bacalhau Grill,” didn’t come about until after the business was sold out of the family
The restaurant is probably best known for its namesake dish
a salt cod many consider to be the national dish of Portugal
you can select a precise cut of the fish at the butcher counter for use in home cooking
garlic and peppers or coated in a bechamel sauce
The salting and drying procedure maintains the cod’s tender flakiness while concentrating its fishy flavor
The shop also operates a bakery where they make pastel de nata — bite-size tarts filled with caramelized egg custard
“Our shoppers are mostly Brazilian and Portuguese,” says restaurant manager Sidinaldo Silva
“A lot of people come for the market
but stop by first for lunch or dinner.” The menu is evenly split between Portuguese and Brazilian dishes
which share many similarities due to Portugal’s lengthy colonization of Brazil
Sidinaldo explains that Bacalhau Grill’s goal is to offer a more affordable dining experience compared to the area’s upscale Portuguese restaurants and Brazilian steakhouses
All of the food feels very much like you’re eating at someone’s house — it’s all served homestyle
While you won’t see any servers walking around with a towering steak skewer
the restaurant’s Brazilian menu does revolve around picanha
“We’re importing a lot of steak from Brazil
There’s so many Brazilian steakhouses around — we’re in the middle,” Sidinaldo says
“You can have a great steak at a fair price.” For a complete traditional meal
Another highlight is the chicken and cheese pasteles
a crackly pastry with an exterior similar to a bubbly fried wonton
Pair your meal with a can of Guaraná Antarctica
a popular Brazilian soda made from the seeds of the tropical guaraná fruit
Bacalhau Grill’s newest venture is the Brazilian pizzeria they opened inside the restaurant in February
The pizzas are topped with ingredients from Brazil like calabresa sausage and catupiry
a Brazilian processed cheese with a consistency similar to cream cheese
Another typical Brazilian pizza comes dressed up with corn
The shop also makes traditional fresh tropical juices
the most unique of which is made from cashew fruit
Its nutty flavor tastes a bit like a cross between bell pepper and mango
If Little Portugal is a monument to the history of San Jose’s Portuguese community
then Bacalhau Grill serves as the neighborhood’s food-centric hub
It provides the flavors of home and a familiar place to sit down for a meal
for both recent immigrants and families who have been in the city for generations
And it also invites those who are unfamiliar with the cuisine to explore and try something new
“We aren’t only cooking for Portuguese and Brazilian people,” says Sidinaldo
Bacalhau Grill (1555 Alum Rock Avenue
Featuring a mix of multicultural music and cuisine
Lula Lounge has been a hub for artists and party-goers for more than two decades
this former cinema has been the world music hub of Little Portugal for the last 21 years
very open to different ways of expression and many ways of artistic expression and at the end
you can be in any island … you can always feel the music
the culture,” said drummer Amadou Kienou
All that dancing and fun gives patrons the feeling that they are transported to a different country
especially living in a city with four distinctive seasons
“For example in the middle of the winter
you can see that the street is full of snow
it’s freezing … and you just enter to Lula and it’s warm you have palms
you have mojitos and you have a huge band playing salsa,” described Aguayo
“Everybody’s dancing so you feel that you’re in Cuba
you feel that you’re in Latin America.”
The positive vibes come combined with a menu featuring Mexican and Latin American fare that have kept people coming back to the intimate club for the last two decades
“Feeling the music and enjoying the time
coming from anywhere on this planet and everybody being together,” added Kienou
Aguauo said Little Portugal is special because you can find so many cultures represented
“Many artists live by the area so all of them
all of them know Lula and they make us famous as well.”
The venue is open seven days a week with salsa nights happening every Friday and Saturday
and a drag brunch on the calendar every second Sunday
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Chart Communications Inc.5255 Yonge Street
Little Portugal and the nearby Dufferin Street area have undergone significant changes in the past decades. Now, Hullmark is proposing a new mid-rise building for this part of western Toronto. The developer has submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 450 Dufferin Street
situated at the northwest corner at Alma Avenue
The design by superkül would bring a mixed-use
there would be 143 residential units in total
The mezzanine would feature 930m² of commercial space
and residents would have access to 290m² and 286m² of indoor and outdoor amenity space respectively
As part of the proposal’s transportation demand management (TDM)
there would only be 34 total parking spaces with 12 of them for visitors and/or commercial use
and three of the visitor/commercial spaces
are planned to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Looking southwest to the podium of 450 Dufferin Street
The design features podium and tower components
The podium would contain four storeys plus a mezzanine
set back 1.4m along Dufferin Street for pedestrian space
The upper component would have a smaller floor-plate in comparison to the podium floors at 729m²
It would have a step-back of 7.4m from the structure’s frontage on Dufferin
The step-back and setback are intended to give visual prominence to the podium and help transition from the smaller buildings in the area
The current one-storey commercial building at 450 Dufferin Street
The site is currently home to a single-storey commercial building with surface parking
The site has a total area of about 1,495m²
The surrounding area has shifted over the years from industrial to a mix of residential and commercial
The application notes a pattern of mixed-use developments in the area standing anywhere from three to 21 storeys
specifically listing 14 nearby development proposals
An aerial view of 450 Dufferin Street and the surrounding area
In the application, Urban Strategies Inc provides an overview of potential future structures that do not yet have active developments
The estimates demonstrate an upward trend of greater intensification and taller buildings standing at 15 storeys or higher
Isometric view of proposed and approved developments in the surrounding area
connecting to Dufferin and Wilson Stations
Residents would be within a 10-minute walk of streetcars on Dundas Street
The proposal is also be near bike lanes on the surrounding streets for cyclists
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development
you can learn more about it from our Database file
you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page
that tracks projects from initial application
This article was published more than 3 years ago
Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto's west end
I try to get out of my home office and go for a walk
I marvel at how my neighbourhood has changed
I live in the west end of downtown Toronto
near the intersection of Dundas and Dufferin streets
though real estate agents have taken to calling my patch “Beaconsfield Village.” Queen Street West is at the bottom of my street and Dundas Street West at the top
The buzzing Ossington Strip is just a few blocks away
A few steps farther is Trinity Bellwoods Park
where the young gather to sprawl on the grass on summer weekends
no one would have called it a fashionable part of town
After I told my father what we had paid for our 16-foot-wide
semi-detached house he helpfully remarked: “A quarter of a million for a place in a slum?”
Our part of Dundas was an uninviting stretch of auto-repair shops
shady karaoke bars and old-fashioned menswear stores that no one ever seemed to shop in
Queen was known for its greasy spoons and used-appliance stores crammed with beat-up fridges and stoves
The Drake Hotel at 1150 Queen West was a dubious establishment with a bar called the Stardust Lounge
The Drake was renovated and reopened years ago
becoming the beachhead for a hipster invasion that has turned my ‘hood into one of the hottest in Toronto
People come from all over town to visit its drinks bars
now stirring back to life as pandemic fears ease
Local house prices have gone from crazy to stupid to obscene
A little two-storey semi on the next street over is on sale for $1.9-million
passing lots of houses under renovation and a few sporting “For Sale” signs
turn north on Ossington and then back west along Dundas
way too many cannabis shops and several of those carefully curated
minimally stocked clothing shops that bring to mind the Portlandia episode Two Girls
named after ”the coveted but endangered flower” and featuring notes of mandarin orange
A sweets shop makes themed pastries for fans of Harry Potter
and Love is Love is Love,” its website declares
People are good: they are thronging the once-grey streets again
What is sneeringly referred to as gentrification often brings money and action to rundown parts of old cities
Some locals have cashed out their real estate winnings and moved on
no doubt shaking their heads at all the change but deciding to live out their old age where they are most comfortable
Not all of the ‘hood’s old character is lost
We have two thriving Portuguese butchers around the corner from us
a couple of old-style barbers where a haircut doesn’t cost the earth and a pair of corner stores that carry everything from soft
freshly baked Portuguese buns to mangos from Asia to charge cords for your phone
As remarkable as what has disappeared is what hasn’t
Several little travel agencies cling to life
a coin laundry survives on Ossington amid the wine bars
So does a cigar manufacturer and two self storage places
though a big hardware store has now closed
That museum-like menswear place that nobody ever entered is still there on Dundas – and still nobody goes in
It would be obtuse to suggest there have been no downsides to this great transformation
People of average means have been priced out
My kids say they can’t imagine being able to buy a house like the one where they grew up
The divides between rich and poor are starker
with more obviously wealthy people around and more vulnerable people
some of them panhandling on the sidewalks as the scene passes
But much of the change has been for the good
many of them living in the host of mid-rise condos that have risen on or near the main streets
It feels like a place that is surging forward instead of standing still
I can’t imagine what I’ll see on my daily walk 10 years from now
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Journalism is a kind of family business for Marcus
His grandfather and uncle were both well-known journalists
He started out at the University of British Columbia
writer and correspondent for Asiaweek magazine
and the last as a reporter for United Press International in Manila and Sydney
He joined The Globe in 1991 as an editorial writer
He went on to roles as foreign affairs columnist
Among the issues and events he has covered are the war in Kosovo
the upheaval in East Timor and the Rob Ford scandal in Toronto
Marcus has won seven National Newspaper Awards for his writing
four of them for his sustained coverage of Canada’s ongoing opioids crisis
located near Dundas Street West and Dufferin Street
is bringing Anatolian cuisine to Little Portugal in Toronto
“We are Kurdish immigrants from Turkey
so our food is also influenced by the city
The brothers’ first location was at Jane Street and Bloor Street West
They opened their current location in October 2019
The concept started out as a breakfast diner but eventually morphed into what it is today
“I’m just trying to make it where it is approachable for everybody to come here they could still get like a bacon and egg if they need to but they can also venture out into like more Turkish dishes
“It’s this idea of being in the city
but experiencing something that’s totally different out of your comfort zone
in terms of service that is what we try to embody here,” says Ali
Click here to check out the menu
A Toronto neighbourhood is hosting a late night vintage crawl this week to showcase their epic thrift stores
This Thursday, fashion afficionados and thrift hunters alike will get the chance to peruse Little Portugal's network of vintage stores as part of their vintage crawl
A post shared by Little Portugal Toronto BIA (@lptbia)
you can join the Little Portugal BIA on a journey along Dundas West
as you shop your way through the neighbourhood
Eleven of the neighbourhood's best vintage shops, like Three Fates, Shopcoat, Good Habits, Black Diamond Vintage and more will be staying open late for the festivities
with some even offering cocktails to sip while you shop
If you miss this one, not to fear: the BIA also hosts free monthly vintage and art gallery crawls on the last Saturday of each month for even more opportunities to explore one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the city
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When you’re thinking about taking a walk around a neighbourhood in Toronto, your first idea might be the trendy Queen St. West
or maybe a leisurely stroll into Leslieville
Both of these are excellent choices for their shopping selection
But when was the last time you wandered around a new part of the city
Having moved to Little Portugal late last year
I’m just now discovering the hidden gems in the area
It takes up a large portion between Bathurst St
Looking to cut back on waste? Unboxed Market is the perfect place to start. You can do your grocery shopping, pick up bulk cleaning supplies, and oil on tap. Toronto’s first waste-free grocery store is a current hot spot for anyone trying to make an impact on their carbon footprint
I stepped into this adorable lingerie shop a few years ago and fell in love. Looking to support female-led designers, Store My Heart is home to a variety of independent designers
If you’re looking for a taste of Little Portugal and love beautiful home decor, then Saudade is the place for you
Everything in the store celebrates Portuguese design and traditional artisan culture
Sitting right beside Unboxed Market, you’ll find this super cool coffee shop/record store that is 100% Instagram perfect
I did a little photoshoot in there and all the photos turned out gorgeous
Who doesn’t want to browse $5 records over a coffee
So, after a bit of shopping you’re CRAVING a burger. Well, Extra Burger is the place to go
Their super simple burgers are also super delicious
you’ll definitely be wanting fries with that
Pho Lihn was one of the first places I tried when I moved to the area
I highly recommend a quick stop for a tasty Vietnamese meal
Laylow not only has a tasty selection of beers
but they also are killin’ it with their Trinidadian flavours and foods
Depanneur calls itself a “place where interesting food things happen” and it couldn’t be more true
and can’t wait to try some of their workshops and other food events
Keep an eye on their rotating events schedule to stay up-to-date
Looking for something fun to do while their weather is still, “meh”? Check out Hideseek for a real-life recess
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and haven’t checked out The Lockhart
then drop all of your plans and head there right now
Track & Field is a fun little spot with beers
It’s one of my favourite ways to spend a Friday night out
but now I’m pretty excited for summer to come around so I can continue to explore my hood
Featured Image: Instagram/@arikaplan
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