u/BarneyDunkavietzh

My family is coming to Toronto to visit me next week and are very thoughtfully taking me to Cirque du soleil. I want to take them somewhere enjoyable for dinner before hand, however, I am struggling to find the right spot.

My family are meat and potatoes people and they don't do well in loud, busy environments. I don't want to end up at a Kelseys or some generic sports bar. I am really hoping to find somewhere cool to take them which will be a special experience that serves burgers and French fries.

Any such suggestions near(ish) the Cirque du soleil tent (Lakeshore - Etobicoke) are appreciated! Even better if there is a patio.

I am on the search for a really good biryani and would love some recommendations. Most of the ones I’ve tried in Toronto were either too oily or else basically just a pulao.

Afghan tikka, Hyderabadi, and Bhori style are my favourite types.

thank you :)

[supprimé]

Lately I have been seeing people selling cookies and store-bought candies on the subway. They move in groups of two and systematically approach each person with a basket of candy. I believe they do pay what you can. They are all quite friendly and none of them are being aggressive but it still seems weird to me.

Does anyone know what's going on here? Is there a specific church that is encouraging their congregation to raise money in this way? The first time I saw this phenomenon, I didn't think anything of it. But now it's like every other time I'm on the subway I see these candy sellers. Am I overreacting for thinking this shouldn't be allowed?

One funny thing I've witnessed a few times now. The candy sellers will go up to someone with headphones on and present this basket of candy to them. The person with the headphones on will reasonably assume they're giving candy away for free (since you're not allowed to solicit on the TTC), smile and take one. Then the church people have to make the person take off their headphones so they can explain the candy is for a donation. Usually at this point the person rolls their eyes and gives the candy back.

My friends and I are hoping to get into birding this summer. Does anyone know of any birding groups or even workshops that are open to beginners? Any advice for a newbie birder in Toronto?