Every week it seems like we’re reading about another beloved Toronto restaurant that has been forced to close its doors. 

Real estate for Torontonians has always been quite an adventure. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, that couldn’t be more true.

While sales continue to climb despite the current state of the world, some of those who made the call to take the plunge this year made truly interesting — dare we say wonderful — moves.

Toronto Life has rounded up the stories of these adventurous buyers, and we’re highlighting three of our favourite tales right here.

When we think of Toronto, what usually jumps to mind at first is its cultural vibrancy, amazing food, bustling arts scene and intense sports fans.

But there’s another Toronto, one full of strange and unusual facts that even lifetime residents might not be aware of.

Summer is a truly magical time in Toronto, and it’s amazing to watch the city come alive, bustling with events and activities.

This summer, however …

Bacon ‘n eggs. Pancakes ‘n waffles. Today, we’re talking brunch.

We love a good slice of avocado toast, don’t get us wrong, but a new Toronto Life feature on the international brunch options in this city is a welcome reminder that “brunch,” as a way of life, is wide-open for interpretation — though coffee and tea are guaranteed options.

And hey, while we’re exploring their list, we thought we’d add to it.

Cooking is great. Even more fun? Watching the pros work their way around the kitchen — like, for example, on the (very popular) Bon Appétit YouTube channel!

Sometimes, however, you just have to tackle a new challenge for yourself.

We’re talking, of course, about cooking classes — and Toronto has a TON of them.

Have you ever wanted to get hands-on experience on how to make real Neapolitan pizza?

Or make authentic pasta, with insider tips from the pros?

Maybe you love to cook fish, but you’re worried about ruining a beautiful (and expensive) filet.

In rounding up some of our city’s most exciting culinary experiences, Toronto Life has done a dutiful service — perhaps a delicious favour — by explaining what you’ll get by gettin’ down in the kitchen at one of the city’s top restaurants.

Spoiler alert: They all involve a lot of eating, drinking, and socializing. With a heaping side of useful culinary knowledge.

Take, for example, the classes at the Healthy Butcher (two locations, 298 Eglinton Ave. W. and 565 Queen St. W.). While cutting meat is a lifelong vocation, two hours under their tutelage and you’ll walk away with the skills to debone, spatchcock, and truss raw poultry — and you’ll take home two birds to practice on. With the holidays around the corner, we imagine this course will be invaluable come turkey time.

You’ve no doubt heard people say it’s never too late to go back to school. In this case, hitting the (cook)books sounds like a satisfying night out.

Interested? Check out Toronto Life’s feature on the 10 best cooking classes this city has to offer.