9 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: April 5 to 11

Please note: As of April 3, Toronto will be under Ontario’s provincial shutdown. This means you must stay at home as much as possible and only go out for necessities, including getting food, going to work, and getting exercise. If you go out, maintain the six-feet physical distancing guidelines and wear a mask.

We’re back to square one in the province and while things may seem gloomy, here are a few things that you can do in Toronto that are safe and may lift your spirits.

The government of Ontario has issued a province-wide shut down for 28 days as of April 3; therefore, only essential trips such as getting food, heading to work and getting exercise are encouraged.

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

Try something new and order Pupusas

Toronto has an abundance of diverse foods when it comes to the Latin community. If you’re looking to try something new, look no further than El Salvador’s national dish. Pupusas are typically made out of cornflour and stuffed with refried beans, cheese, chicharrón (pork), and more depending on what’s on the menu. Normally, you’d eat these with a handful of coleslaw and salsa, but they’re just so amazing, you can eat them on their own.

When: You’re looking to explore new flavours
Where: Salvadoran restaurants in Toronto

Get your hands on bite-sized donuts in Toronto

The only way you can eat over a dozen donuts and not feel guilty. 6ix Donutz has opened its food truck pop-up in Toronto, and it’s serving up the cutest bite-sized donuts loaded with your favourite toppings. With four different flavours and 21 kinds of toppings, 6ix Donutz is taking donuts to another delicious level, giving you the chance to customize your own sweet treats and making each one as unique as the next.

When: This week
Where: 202 Spadina Avenue

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

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.

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

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

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

Shop at Hello Happy virtual market

Itching to support local businesses? Starting April 8, take part in Hello Happy virtual market, where you can find local works of art. The event runs until April 11, giving you plenty of time to stock up on some self-care products.

Where: Online
When: April 8 to 11

Grab a bite of Burger King’s Impossible Burger

After its successful US launch, Burger King’s Impossible Whopper has finally arrived in Canada and will be served in Ontario before it goes national. According to Burger King, the Impossible Whopper plant-based meal will be served to Ontario residents starting March 22 before popping up in locations across the country on April 22.

When: As of March 22
Where: Across Toronto and the GTA

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