12 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: April 12 to 18

Another week into April and although we’re stuck inside, here are a few things that you can do in Toronto that are safe and fun.

Here’s a list of ideas that may help you through the second week of April:

Try Chubby’s Jamaican in Toronto’s east end

Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen has opened a new ghost kitchen in Toronto’s Cabbage Town, bringing more Caribbean cuisine to the area. As part of Kitchen Hub Food Hall’s expansion into the east end, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen will anchor the new location at 234 Parliament Street. Fans of the restaurant will be able to get their hands on iconic dishes like Chubby’s Jerk Chicken, Likkle Jamaican Patties, and Oxtail Stew. The Caribbean food spot will also join the likes of other vendors, including Greenhouse Juice Co., Daan Go Macarons, The Cheesecake Factory Bakery, Ben & Jerry’s, and S’More Convenience.

When: You’re in the mood
Where: 234 Parliament Street, or on your food delivery app

Take an online fitness class right at home

Since gyms are closed, working out at home is your best option! There are a bunch of online fitness classes you can take that will keep you motivated and in shape. BOLO Inc. is one on-demand subscription service that you can easily sign up for and work out with until you can’t anymore. Want to give it a test run? You can enjoy their free trial for a week and see if it’s the right fit for you.

When: You’re feeling sluggish and need to work out
Where: From the comfort of your own home or wherever you can get wifi

Try out Toronto’s newest chicken spot

From a pop-up to the big leagues! Chen Chen’s Hot Chicken has finally claimed a spot on Toronto’s Queen Street West. Born in China and raised in Nashville, Chen Chen’s Hot Chicken has opened its doors at 1184 Queen Street West after having started as a pop-up over two years ago. This is the same address where ’80s-themed bar Convenience once welcomed patrons before its quiet closure. It was then taken over by Caribbean food pop-up Miss. Likklemores last summer.

When: You’re hungry
Where: 1184 Queen Street West

Buy a painting online and redecorate your home

The Art Guild of Scarborough has been showcasing artworks from across Canada online during the pandemic. Each year they present three annual juried Art Shows: the Fall and Spring Shows at the Centennial Recreation Centre, Scarborough and the Arthur Show in June at the Cedar Ridge Gallery. For this year’s Spring Show and Sale, the art guild has a list of pieces for sale from a variety of media including watercolour, pastel, oil, acrylics, ink, sculpture and mixed media.

When: April 1 to May 31
Where: Online

Place an online order from Canada’s newest Vegan marketplace

There’s a new online marketplace for Canadians making it easier to get their hands on vegan and plant-based products. Since launching in the US in November 2020, Vejii has expanded into Canadian waters, offering a large selection of vegan goods. This multi-vendor platform gives startup brands a chance to list their products on the website to gain national exposure while working with established brands targeting new customers.

When: You’re looking to expand your food choices
Where: On their website

The Aga Khan Park and Museum presents Spring is Here!

Take a walk through the Park and learn more about diverse spring traditions and connections to countries and cultures. “The Spring is Here! exhibition is a series of five installations with twenty colourful panels that show us where and how spring traditions came to be. From the Easter bunny to the Haft Seen table, to rabbits and tulips, each panel will leave you curious to learn more!” said the Aga Khan via their website.

When: Until April 25 – From dawn to 10 pm
Where: 77 Wynford Drive

Order brunch boxes in Toronto

Thanks to social media, brunch boxes have gained popularity in the last few months, and there are a few spots in Toronto that serve them up. Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy with friends or on your own, brunch boxes offer a little bit of everything that makes breakfast and lunch oh-so enjoyable.

When: You’re hungry
Where: Across Toronto and the GTA

Enjoy a virtual art exhibit with NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 2.0

Celebrate Black futures with TO Live and VIBE Arts. NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 2.0, is an online and outdoor exhibition that showcases Black Futures and is running until May 11. “NExT Artists participated in a nine-month mentorship program led by individual sessions with our roster of professional artists and creatives, attended professional development workshops and networking opportunities, and received funding to create new work as part of the exhibition,” says their website.

When: March 22 to May 11
Where: On their website

Krispy Kreme donuts

Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed donut just got a makeover, and something Oreo lovers will surely enjoy. The all-new Oreo Cookie Glaze is here for a limited time only. Now, this is a treat! There are two new donut-cookie creations, The Oreo Cookie Glazed Donut and the Oreo Cookie Over-the-Top donut. This two-for-one treat is now available until April 18 so if this is something on your radar, act fast before they’re gone.

When: Until April 18
Where: Participating locations

Enjoy the Toronto Virtual Artistic Food Expo

This year’s event is set to feature food demos, cultural specialty foods, food equipment, and technology, as well as the opportunity to win prizes and view performances during the event. “The goal of this event in such an unprecedented time is to ensure the promotion and economic revival of small businesses, food entrepreneurs and food joints while ensuring people across the GTHA have the opportunity to view vendors from GTA that are participating,” shares the event on its website.

When: April 17 and 18 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Online

Ube treats to try out in Toronto

A gift from the gods? It sure does taste like it. If you’ve never tried ube treats, there are a few spots across Toronto that make the best desserts out of the purple yam. For those who may not know, ube is a purple yam originating from the Philippines that is used in desserts, pastries, drinks, ice cream, and more.

When: You want to try something new
Where: Across Toronto