Whoopie pies. They're the latest craze. But don't let the name fool you, this sandwich-like confection of American origin (legend has it that Amish women would pack them in farmers' lunches, who, when opening their lunch boxes to discover the treat would exclaim, 'whoopie!') is not a pie at all, but rather an icing-filled cross between a cake and a cookie. Gracing the shelves of many a bakery, the whoopie pie appears in a variety of flavours from the classic chocolate to twists such as pumpkin or peanut butter, and can range from a bite-size treat to a small cake.

Toronto's largest vintage brand just keeps growing. Already with two stores (one near Queen and Dovercourt and the other on Bloor), 69 Vintage just added a third location to the family - this one a tighter collection of the owner's favourite pieces all arranged according to a particular theme that changes monthly.

Read my profile of V by 69 Vintage in the fashion section.

On Wednesday night, Marben Restaurant hosted the inaugural competition of the first annual Marben Sausage League. The contenders: Chefs from some of Toronto's hottest restaurants. The challenge: To create the best sausage dish. The prize: The title of Sausage King...and of course, glory.

For the next five months, two guest chefs, representing their restaurant, will take to the Marben kitchen every Wednesday night to showcase their sausage-themed creations to participating diners. $25 buys a guest both sausage dishes and a bottle of Steamwhistle. After sampling the dishes, each guest fills out a ballot selecting their favourite of the two. At the end of the evening the results are compiled and the winner, moving on to the next round, will be one step closer to the title of Sausage King.

Depending on who you ask the cupcake fad may or may not be losing its cool, but that hasn't stopped a new cupcake-only bakery from opening up shop just steps from Trinity Bellwoods.

Read my review of Dlish Cupcakes in the bakery section.

While ToDo is expected to be transformed into Fishbar early in 2011, this much-in-the-news restaurant just up the street on Lower Ossington has emerged as the neighbourhood's best option for fresh fish. Partly owned by Albino Silva (the owner of College Street's Chiado), this dining destination features an intriguing selection of Iberian tapas including meaty grilled sardines.

Read my review of Salt Wine Bar in the restaurants section.

While raw food hasn't exactly taken off in Toronto, the city still has a select few destinations that serve these healthy, uncooked, vegan meals. And now, thanks to a recent opening in Yorkville, Toronto has its first ever raw food restaurant chain.

Read my review of the new Rawlicious in the restaurants section.