Live Music 🎸

At the centre of the House of TARG experience are live shows, which happen at least three times every week (usually Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Though the venue was born as a punk rock space, the artists and bands House of TARG books now represent additional genres from jazz, to country, to hip-hop, to electronic pop. Each show features four acts and begins at 8 PM, converting the space from an all-ages zone to a 19+ venue. The owners are very proud to host the musicians they do. They put together a t-shirt each year with the name of every band that performed at House of TARG on the back.

Games 🕹️

The name House of TARG comes from an 80s arcade game– the first machine acquired by the owners. The venue now boasts 17 themed pinball machines (including Stars Wars, JAWS, The Walking Dead, KISS and more), as well as 31 arcade games. These games include vintage classics like Galaga, Tetris, Space Invaders and Guitar Hero, along with newer hits like Marvel Super Heroes, NBA Jam and Mario Bros Nintendo Multicade.

Perogies 🥟

If the quirkiness of the pinball and games wasn’t enough, the food offered at House of TARG is exclusively perogies. These delicious potato dumplings are a great comfort food with unique topping and flavours that give them more character over your traditional bar food. House of TARG’s pierogi menu features options for those who like pickled and acidic bites, spicy food enjoyers, meat lovers and even vegans. They also have signature drinks on the menu, including TARG beer, Romulan Ale and a house cocktail: the Dragon Slayer.

Special Nights 🪩

Every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, House of TARG has free-play hours, during which every arcade game can be played without coins. On the weekends from noon to 8 PM and Tuesdays from 5 to 11 PM, free play is all-ages inclusive. This is a great opportunity for families to visit and enjoy the games and perogies. Sundays 8 PM to 12 AM is free play after dark: the adults only version of this arcade free-for-all. Sundays are also all-vinyl DJ nights: “Sleaze rock, Punk, Metal & retro Synth tunes to provide the soundtrack to your highscore pursuits”. Whenever you visit House of TARG, there’s bound to be something fun going on.

The post House of TARG is Easily the Coolest Bar to Visit in Ottawa appeared first on Northly.

Bayfield in Summary

Located on the coast between Goderich and Grand Bend, Bayfield has a mere 1,250 permanent residents. It attracts lots of visitors in the summertime due to its natural beauty and historic Main Street. The charm of this place comes from its scenic locales, culinary excellence and late-20th century appearance. Its clapboard and brick buildings, gravel pathways and quaint parks are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. Needless to say, the town is a romantic destination perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Eat and Drink

• Stop at Shopbike Coffee for a specialty latte and some old school candies
• Pink Flamingo Bakery offers a cupcake flavour of the day and plenty of tart varieties
• Black Dog Village Pub and Bistro has the best burgers in town, as well as elevated steak, haddock, malt whiskey and craft beer
• Get ice cream or frozen yogurt from Copenhagen’s walk-up counter, or head to their backyard picnic area to enjoy fish and chips, tacos or hotdogs
• Olio is a snack bar open all day long, with a BBQ grill that serves up breakfast, pulled pork sandwiches and plant-based burgers and dogs. They also have wood-fired pizza in the summertime
• For the big dinner, visit Benmiller’s Inn and Spa on the river for lamb shanks, Atlantic salmon, chicken souvlaki, crab-stuffed mushrooms and more

See and Do

• Visit Pioneer Park: a beautiful overlook of the white sandy beaches on Lake Huron. Picnic on beaches at the top of the bluff, or head down to the shore via a huge wooden staircase
• Go to the farmer’s market at Clan Gregor Square and enjoy the mist from water features in this pleasant green park
• Walk along the marina on the Bayfield River and watch the sailboats
• Visit the adorable Village Bookshop and a few of the boutique clothing stores on Main Street
• Attend the Bayfield Community Fair the 3rd weekend in August. The event features craft vendors, farm animals, music, food and more

The post Bayfield, Ontario is the Perfect Weekend Getaway for the Summer appeared first on Northly.

All About the Biking 🚴

Biking is a great form of transportation for navigating the scenic River Valley. It’s also is a great form of exercise and suited to people of all ages. While Eat Bike Tours are recommended BYOB (bring your own bike) events, the company also has a fleet of e-bikes and helmets available to rent for those who don’t have one, or who are worried about fitness level. The tour is four hours long, and spaced so that participants will only ride for thirty minutes at a time between stops. The biking level is considered easy to moderate. Expect an easy-paced, social ride that allows for admiring the views along the way.

Bragging Points for a Foodie 🍕

Included in the price of the tour are food experiences at three different local restaurants. With a rotating lineup of partners, you could complete the Food Bike Tour multiple times in a year and not repeat venues. Each stop is a gourmet behind-the-scenes tasting– oftentimes with presentations from chefs themselves. Guests will discover stories from local businesses while helping to support them. 

In addition, a portion of every ticket goes towards benefiting an Edmonton charity organization. Special tours are also held during festivals and on International Donut Day. After your Food Bike Tour is over, you’ll have more knowledge of local restaurateurs, bakers, and chefs, including techniques and ingredients they use to create unforgettable dishes.

Know Before You Go 🏙️

These culinary experiences for urban exploration happen every Saturday in Edmonton, rain or shine. A passionate tour guide will ensure that everyone in the group stays together, engaged, and hungry for the next stop. Each tour can accommodate 31 guests, and reservations must be placed at least 48 hours beforehand. The experience is family friendly, but recommended for those 12 and up. Food allergies can be accommodated as long as they are mentioned in your registration. Find out more about what to bring, where to meet, and how to sign up by visiting the Food Bike Tour website. Happy dining and pedaling!

The post In Edmonton It’s Eat, Bike, Repeat appeared first on Northly.

Dim Sum 

From traditional steamed dumplings, siu mai and buns, to spare ribs, sticky rice, Chinese broccoli and fried squid, there are plenty of main dishes to choose from. The range of vegetarian options is smaller, but there are still around seven savoury small-plates for the herbivores. Some of the most highly recommended dishes on the menu include the Shanghai pork rolls, vegetarian spring rolls, crispy bean curd roll, BBQ pork buns and scallop taro puffs. When ordering, you’ll mark the items you want (and how many of each) on a small sheet for your server to pick up. The food then comes out to your table as dishes are freshly prepared. 

Craft Beer and Wine

Little Bird offers a revolving selection of local beers throughout the year. There are four beers on tap at any given time, and they come from breweries as close as Mount Pleasant and North Van and as far as Port Moody. Their selection of wine is also locally sourced from vineyards in Naramata and Summerland, BC.

Tea and Dessert

For an after-dinner palette cleanse, consider a cup of small batch artisanal tea. Offering jasmine green, herbal chrysanthemum, and rich pu-erh, Little Bird provides different options for your desired level of caffeination. Likewise, the dessert choices range from lightly sweet to decadent. Sesame balls in classic and green tea flavours are milder compared to egg tarts and steamed custard buns. Trust us– you’ll want to make the room for a little something sweet.

Michelin Bib Gourmand 

Little Bird Dim Sum and Craft Beer has been in the Vancouver Michelin guide since 2023. It received the Bib Gourmand recognition for good quality and good value cooking, further enhancing their visibility and reputation. If you plan to visit with a group or on a weekend night, it’s probably best to reserve ahead. To find out about more happenings in this one-of-a-kind Vancouver dining destination, follow Little Bird on Instagram. 

Visited by celebrities such as Seth Rogen and Finn Wolfhard, this place where global fuses with local does greatness casually; it does it the Vancouver way.

The post Little Bird Dim Sum and Craft Beer is Exemplary of Vancouver’s Celebrated Food Culture appeared first on Northly.

1. Lady Marmalade– Regent Park, Toronto

Serving all-day brunch in a modern, wood-paneled dining room with plenty of houseplants and natural light, Lady Marmalade has a small yet globally-inspired menu. Classic eggs benedict and bread pudding are accompanied by tortas, crepes, croque monsieur, cheddar and spinach waffles and tofu banh mi. Guests can get bottomless coffee with their meal, or choose from tea, cold pressed juices or apple cider. Lady Marmalade also sells their hot sauce and soy-ginger dressing to take home. 

Pasaj

2. Pasaj– South Riverdale, Toronto 

In a smartly-decorated space with accents of midnight green and gold, Pasaj serves Istanbul-inspired brunch delights including mezze plates, shakshuka, whipped feta dishes and stews. Each dish comes well-seasoned with delicious pepper, sumac, lemon or smoky Urfa butter. They also have a variety of pastries, french toast, pancakes and benedicts. To drink, enjoy Turkish coffee, a mimosa or some pomegranate juice. 

The Apricot Tree Cafe

3. The Apricot Tree Cafe– Sherwood Forest, Mississauga

This European-style eatery is both a restaurant and a patisserie. Grab a table on their colourful outdoor patio, or come inside to watch chefs prepare your meal behind the bar. Choose from classic poached egg and omelette dishes, sandwiches, sweet and savoury crepes or schnitzel for your main. You can add cake and coffee to your meal, or sip on an Apricot Martini. Lastly, there are also amazing sundae options here created with home-made ice cream.

The Arch Café/Bar

4. The Arch– Kensington Market, Toronto

A fusion between classic Western breakfast and Persian cuisine, The Arch is a quirky yet charming little spot in Kensington Market with a small dining room and festive outdoor patio seating. The food options range from croissant sandwiches, to Persian-inspired omelettes served with naan, to Dutch baby pancakes, to a Bazaar breakfast platter for two. Numerous delicious drink options are also available including saffron, orange blossom or honey-cardamom lattes; fresh juices; grape syrup froth and carrot juice with saffron ice cream. Oh yeah, and they also have all-day cocktails.

Nourishmoi

5. Nourishmoi– Port Credit, Mississauga

This vegan spot is located in a bright-blue building on Lakeshore Road East and serves lunch and dinner, as well as all-day brunch. The restaurant is inventive with both plant-based substitutes for traditional breakfast ingredients as well as flavours and presentation of plates. Choose from dishes like avocado toast with zaatar, chick’frea omelettes, acai bowls or banana chocolate crunch pancakes. There are also a variety of smoothies, fresh juices, coffee drinks and kombucha to compliment.

The post Top 5 Brunch Spots in the GTA appeared first on Northly.

Luckily, if you live in Toronto, there’s an answer for where you should go tonight, and it’s The Spicy Ethiopian. With five stars on Yelp and Google across over 300 reviews, this restaurant– which opened its doors in 2024– is the ultimate Ethiopian experience in the city.

The Food: 5/5 ⭐

The menu at The Spicy Ethiopian is hard to beat, featuring authentic flavours and dishes while also suiting a variety of diets and tastes. Both the vegan platter and the meat lovers platter are highly recommended by guests; beef tibs and unique beverages as well. 

Halal options are available, and the injera– traditional bread which dishes are served on and eaten with– is made from a gluten-free flour. While the restaurant’s name might suggest a lot of heat, there are plenty of plates offered without a spice factor that are equally aromatic and complex. Ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, clarified butter (and yes, chili) are among the familiar flavours involved in Ethiopian cooking. 

This place is open for breakfast and dinner, and they even offer delivery and catering! However, you’ll want to visit the restaurant in-person the first time you order to get the full experience.

The Service: 5/5 ⭐

Gelila Belete is the owner of The Spicy Ethiopian, which began as a food truck before becoming a full-service restaurant. She and her husband are said to visit and converse with many of their guests, even imparting pieces of Ethiopian culture. Gelila cooks and runs dishes out every day, despite employing a professional team of servers. 

The dining experience is described by reviewers as laid back and casual, with everything made fresh, and generous portions offered. The words “labour of love” were used by multiple patrons to describe the sense of deep care and passion behind the attentive service they received upon their visit. Despite a small dining area, the restaurant goes above and beyond to accommodate celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries. Just make sure to reserve!

The Atmosphere: 5/5 ⭐

The Spicy Ethiopian is located on Queen Street, across the road from Moss Park. The cozy dining room is chic-ly decorated with natural wood, patterned wallpaper, and vibrant plants. Overhead lamps transform the space into a moody and appealing environment in the evenings.

The Outreach: 5/5 ⭐

On top of managing the restaurant, open Tuesday through Sunday, Gelila finds ways to stay connected to an even greater number of Torontonians through participation in food festivals. Her booth at the T.O. Food & Drink Fest was a huge hit in April of this year. Additionally, The Spicy Ethiopian is creating an online store to sell Ethiopian spices and spice mixes. They plan to ship across Canada, and customers can join the waitlist to buy from their line of products here. 

In a city with some of the best food culture in the world, there’s a tendency to only see the most hyped and viral spots pushed on social media. Why not opt for the best Queen City has to offer of Ethiopian cuisine, right on Queen Street? 

The post This Ethiopian Restaurant in Toronto is Rated 5 Stars on Yelp and Google appeared first on Northly.

Papa Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pints

Located on Lakeshore Road East, Papa Giuseppe’s is delicious Italian from stone oven pizza, to calzones, lasagna, sandwiches, and pasta. They also have a good selection of wine and beer to unwind with. Enjoy sit-down, laid back dining inside the festive restaurant or on their sunny back patio.

ShawarmaFresh Doner

ShawarmaFresh Doner

Also on Lakeshore Road, ShawarmaFresh serves Turkish style halal shawarma in the form of pita sandwiches, wraps, plates, and salads. They also have falafel, baklava, samosas, and fries. Try one of their imported Turkish sodas for a sweet compliment to this succulent lunch or late-night meal.

Chelsea Restaurant

Chelsea Restaurant

Located on John St. South inside the historical Peer House, Chelsea restaurant has a small menu of English comfort foods from Shepherd’s Pie to Chelsea curry and seafood croissants. With a soup of the day and in-house baked goods, you’ll find this lunch and dinner eatery to be cozy and nourishing. 

Samtastes and Elmariachitacos

El Mariachi Tacos and Churros

The yellow and orange painted building on Lakeshore Road West welcomes you to a world of Mexican flavours from ceviche to tacos, tortas, fajitas, and tortilla soup. It gets busy on their back patio in the summertime, so make sure you reserve! 

Sorannos Restaurant

Sorrano’s 

Located on Lakeshore Road East, Sorrano’s is another beloved spot for Italian food. Family owned and operated, their menu is a marriage between the authentic cuisine and Canadian comfort food classics. Here you’ll find arrancini, veal meatballs, and bruschetta– alongside burgers and Italian poutine!

The post Top 5 Restaurants on Mississauga’s Port Credit Waterfront appeared first on Northly.

1. Lil’ Empire, Bridgeland and Capitol Hill 

Believing that burgers and fries should be eaten in a fun environment– and also made with care and high quality ingredients– Lil’ Empire takes a playful approach to classic comfort food. From your standard beef and cheese burgers, to plant-based burgers, a chicken burger and a Korean-inspired burger, the menu is simple but serves varied tastes. Beside the sandwiches, there are also loaded hot dogs and fries, chicken nuggets, drinks and soft serve. Lil’ Empire prides itself on both secret sauce and business practices: “We provide ethically raised meat, ethically treated staff and a vision to better the communities we live in”. With two locations available for dine-in and take-out, you’d be silly not to try it out.

Boogie’s

2. Boogie’s, Marda Loop and Renfrew

“Slangin Burgs since the summer of 1969”, Boogie’s is one of the oldest burger joints in the city. An ode to diner culture, the dining rooms are 70s and 80s themed– complete with arcade games and kitschy-yet-cool retro decor. Boogie’s in Renfrew has a dog-friendly outdoor patio, perfect for sipping a milkshake on a summer day. Speaking of the milkshakes, there are an incredible 36 flavours ranging from classic vanilla to “Fat Vader”:  a combination of chocolate, liquorice, and bacon. Boogie’s also has a monthly featured shake if you get bored of the other choices. As for the burgers, there are four classic options (beef, mushroom, chicken and salmon) as well as 17 other pre-set varieties and the option to customize. Check out their Instagram to get a sense of their vibe. It’s nothing if not enticing!

Class Clown

Class Clown, southern edge of Downtown

A cozy little spot on 18th Ave and 4th St SW, this place makes “Nice drinks” and “Tasty food”. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 to 11, Class Clown evokes whimsy in all areas– from their cutely designed menu and burger names, to their tall and squishy sesame-covered buns. The restaurant offers snacks, sundaes, and slushy drinks that are uniquely flavoured and seasonal. Class Clown is so popular that you can’t make reservations, but there is a waitlist you can join. Pop-ups and events seem to be another forte, as they host one almost weekly. Find out more about specials and happenings on Instagram.

Clive

Clive Burger, 17th Ave SW

Amid the bustle of bars and shopping, Clive Burger offers a happy refuge for burgers, dogs, and poutine (with gluten free and vegetarian options available by request). They’re known for their house-made custard shakes, which come in unique rotating flavours and can be made boozy. Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 PM on weeknights, the servings are generous and the fries are crispy. What more could you ask for in a casual lunch or late night snack?

Blue Star

Blue Star Diner, Bridgeland-Riverside

A beloved neighbourhood restaurant, Blue Star stands apart from other joints on this list for focusing on brunch and dinner. It is open daily at 8 AM, closing at 3 PM on Sunday and Monday, and 9 PM the rest of the week. The brunch menu features eggs, sausage, potatoes, pancakes– even fried chicken and poutine. Dinner is everything from burgers and sandwiches to fish and chips, tacos, salads and speciality bowls. “We believe you should know where your food comes from. This is why we have a strong connection with local farmers and suppliers”. Blue Star is proud to be locally owned and supplied completely by other Albertan businesses. Try out their Blue Star Blonde beer, on tap during happy hour (3-5 PM) for $6. Or, bring the whole family out for a breakfast they’ll never forget.

The post These Are the Best Places to Eat an Alberta Beef Burger in Calgary appeared first on Northly.

1. Siegel’s Bagels, 1883 Cornwall Ave 🥯

Siegel’s, located near Kits Beach, is a Montréal-style bagelry established in 1990. Their selection of bagel flavours includes all of the classics, plus a rosemary rocksalt variety. They offer breakfast sandwiches for as low as $6.95, and hearty lunch sandwiches starting as $12.95. Siegel’s gets deli items fresh from Montréal each week, including smoked meats, beef salami and flavoured cream cheeses. To complement your classic bagel, you can also get veggie lox, a side of fries or some rugolagh to take home. Siegel’s also has a booth in the Granville Island Public Market with a smaller selection of items. At either location, you’re sure to receive a freshly baked, thin and slightly sweet bagel, with a crispy exterior and chewy middle.

2. Solly’s Bagelry, 368 W 7th Ave 🥯

“Solly’s offers a wide variety of freshly prepared traditional Jewish bagels, baked goods, delicious soups & sandwiches, and groceries to take home”. Their bagels are Brooklyn style: boiled and then baked in a stone hearth. Solly’s regular in-house selection includes an all-dressed variety, and there’s always a special flavour-of-the-month. Here you can also buy cinnamon buns, babka, doggels, knishes and traditional baked goods for Jewish holidays. Matzo ball soup, hot meat and bagel sandwiches, hummus, challah, pickles and more are available at the deli counter. Solly’s is known for their copious servings of cream cheese (they schmear both sides) and their neon sign. They also have a second location in Mount Pleasant, “Up Main”.

wa.bagel

3. WA-BAGEL, 666 Burrard St Unit No. B09 🥯

A product of Abure restaurants, a franchise bringing Japanese ingredients and cuisine to Vancouver, WA-BAGEL is a very unique blend of New York style with Japanese flavours. Their specialty are filled bagels, many of which have a subtly-sweet taste and are made with Koji (an active fermenting ingredient). On the menu are such combinations as sweet potato & black sesame, red bean & cream cheese, mochi matcha, ume bacon and more. This spot also offers bagel-making classes with Head Baker Yukiko, so enthusiasts of any baking level can learn about the craft. As a note, this location has limited hours to grab your baked delicacies. They are open from 8AM to 3PM, Monday-Friday only. 

4. Mount Royal Bagels, 701 Queensbury Ave 🥯

Located on the North Shore since 2000, Mount Royal Bagels is a small brick-and-mortar that also supplies 6-packs of their favourite flavours to nearby grocery stores. These bagels are Montréal-style, with a nice chewy interior. Mount Royal Bagels has a classic selection of bagel varieties, and their own flavoured cream cheeses. Their honey-vanilla cream cheese is especially popular, and also sold in containers for home use. Lastly, Mount Royal Bagels also sells coffee and their own brand of granola. Make sure to arrive early, before they sell out of their daily small batch!

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Congress Coffee Company

• Congress Coffee Company

Tucked away in an industrial area on 36 Ave NE is this quirky coffee spot and event space. With a focus on rich roasts and uplifting local artists, Congress Coffee Company “programs community-driven initiatives including music, visual art, drag, poetry, burlesque and more” for their live-sound stage. The ambiance inside reflects 80s and 90s nostalgia, and artworks for sale line the walls.

Congress’ menu includes classic espresso drinks, plus “pay what you feel” drip coffee, and specialty drinks. These include seasonal frappes, tea lattes and iced beverages. They also offer housemade food including breakfast burritos, pastries, paninis and a soup of the day. Everything is made with a great deal or care, contributing to a sense that guests are more than welcome to hang out. Check out Congress Coffee’s website to preview the menu, or check them out on Instagram to find out about upcoming events.

• Xin Chao Coffee

Across the road from Sunridge Mall in Northeast Calgary is this Vietnamese-owned spot with unique food and drink items. Xin Chao means “hello” in Vietnamese! This is no place to order a regular latte, though they are available. Instead, why not try out Egg Coffee, Salted Coffee, Coconut Coffee, or Roasted Milk Tea? If you’re sensitive to caffeine, give one of their beautiful fresh fruit teas a go. Feeling hungry? Xin Chao serves spring rolls, salad rolls and a variety of desserts. The spacious cafe has two floors of seating, with a loft suited to working and a lower floor to socializing. Check out Xin Chao’s Instagram for a better sense of their vibe!

Frida’s Coffee Home

• Frida’s Coffee Home

On 9th Ave SW near the Beltline, this coffee shop brings authentic Mexican flavours and desserts to Calgary. Using Arabica beans sourced from three regions of Mexico, Frida’s Coffee Home sells house-made coffee blends along with hot and iced coffee drinks. Their menu features Cafe de Olla Lattes (similar to cappuccinos), Mazapán Lattes (caramel/ almond flavour), Horchata and Jamaica: a hibiscus flavoured juice. The food selection includes classic Canadian breakfast items, tamales, flan, tres leches cake and concha pastries like those found in Mexican bakeries.

Frida’s Coffee Home is owned by Frida Murillo and Zaheen Hamadani, who have created a cozy yet colourful environment for guests. Check out their website to read more about the story Frida’s Coffee Home and how they source coffee beans. Check out the Instagram to stay up to date on menu items and happenings around the store.

Cafe Du Park

• Cafe Du Park

Inside a repurposed storage container in North Glenmore Park is Cafe du Parc: an outpost selling drinks made with locally-roasted Devils Head Coffee. Along with classic espresso-based drinks, Cafe du Parc also sells seasonally flavoured lattes, pastries from Butter Block & CO. and even ice cream in the summertime. Hello, affogatos!

The stand is located in an outdoor park that gets chilly in the Calgary winter. Luckily, Cafe du Par has a few benches and an outdoor heater, so adults can be comfortable in the winter while children play. Calgarians appreciate this spot for its convenient location in the park and for the owner, who often strikes up conversation with guests.

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