Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 17

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 15-21, 2022

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 12.5 min read

This week’s edition, brimming with 24 arrivals and nine closures a week before Christmas, is the kind of frenzy you can expect in the weeks/months to come. The breaking news alone, is staggering. So follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter because you don’t want to miss a single thing.

In the meantime, here’s the very latest:

OPEN NOW

A Ria Restaurante - not to be confused with Aria Ristorante (25 York St.) - has landed in Mercado’s old spot in Corso Italia (1370 St Clair Ave. W.) with an array of Portuguese fare.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has nearly 6,000 destinations in over 100 countries with 17 brands (including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants found throughout Toronto/GTA). The first Avid Hotel in Canada was announced Monday. Avid Hotel - Vaughan Southwest (6800 Hwy 7), under the ownership of PI Cap, boasts 119 rooms with features including blackout roller shades, your choice of soft or firm pillows, indoor pool, and 24/7 gym. Food and drinks are limited to grab-and-go options, the hotels’ signature "Good all Round" breakfast bar, and fresh coffee.

Psst. Chinatown’s secretive new spot Bitter Melon (431 Spadina Ave.) is “a bite out of the unconventional” with dinner items ranging from $7 (Corn Dog) to $35 (Foie Gras on Toast) and all drink prices ending in .88. At the stove: Executive chef Hermawan Lay (Clio). Behind the bar: Daniel Désir.

Cheatmeal’s Halal Indo-fusion fare has landed at a food court in Don Mills via Cheatmeal Xpress (16 Mallard Rd., Unit 202).

York University students, this one’s for you: Canada’s first Korean hot dog brand Chung Chun Rice Hot Dog debuts tomorrow (95 The Pond Rd., Complex 2, Unit 10). Bonus: Hotdogs are budget-friendly at $2.99 a piece. Maximum two per person. Regular price for further purchases.

Shop fresh produce and pantry essentials at Danforth and Coxwell’s new Daily Goods Market (1540 Danforth Ave.).

El Mariachi Tacos & Churros brings its famed Mexican fare to Port Credit (121 Lakeshore Rd. W.), where Ombretta Cucina + Vino stood until recently. 

Corso Italia’s The Hashtag (1201 St Clair Ave. W.), a “modern yet classy, rocking yet sassy” restobar, offers pub classics (burgers, wings), and international fare by way of kebab wraps, hakka fare and momos. Looking to save? Drinks are budget-friendly: A Martini Bianco Vermouth is just $6.99, with other cocktails coming in at $9.99 ea. Did you know? The space was formerly home to Shunoko.

Calling all Japanese cream buns fans: Hattendo softly opens at CF Markville (5000 Hwy 7, Level 1, Unit 1012) today. Enjoy 10 per cent off and no tax on six or more signature cream buns with special holiday box.

Love Filipino fare? Dream about all-day breakfast? You’re in luck. Hermie and Chris of Orilla’s Hermie’s Diner launched an outpost nestled in the heart of Riverside at the corner of Queen and Broadview (701 Queen St. E.) yesterday.

Grand opening celebrations for Scarborough’s modern kerala bukateria Idukki Gold (1960 Lawrence Ave. E.) took place at the end of October. The South Indian eatery offers enticing winter warmups including Kappa and  Meen Curry (tapioca with spicy fish curry made with malabar tamarind) and Nei Choru and Chicken Fry (ghee rice and spicy Trivandrum-style chicken fry).

In addition to homemade pastas, dig into Italian eats such as Portofino Pesto Soup and Muffuletta Sando at Il Forno Antico, a part of Etobicoke Eats (20 Lockport Ave.) which has grown to 30+ virtual kitchens.

Isabelle's opened in Vancouver earlier this year. The concept by Freehouse Collective (formerly The Donnelly Group) touched down in Toronto, joining their other watering holes: Belfast Love, Walrus Pub, Death & Taxes, and Gift Shop. The after-supper club above Belfast Love (548 King St. W.), featuring "elevated cocktails, dancing and table service," opens tonight at 10pm. Naturally, TR Newsletter subscribers got the intel first.

Oshawa’s Kachiguda Junction has found a home in Greektown (505 Danforth Ave.). This marks the second location for the Indian bistro.

Psst. Grand opening for Zen Japan Group’s new Kappo Sato (575 Mount Pleasant Rd.) took place Tuesday. Choose from two Omakase menus offering 12 dishes including Wagyu, sushi, sashimi, grilled dish, tempura, and rice cooked in a copper hagama pot. Cost: $260 and $320. Mastering Kappo-style cuisine, a traditional Japanese style of cutting and boiling, usually requires 10 to 15 years of steady training. While this is Chef Takeshi Sato’s first restaurant as proprietor, his experience is extensive, including a Michelin-star Japanese restaurant in Tokyo, the role of official chef of the Japanese Consulate General in Toronto, and since 2013, head chef of Zen Japanese Restaurant.

Mado Restaurant and Café entered the scene last year with a lineup of Turkish meals and desserts. Following a splashy debut at Square One this summer, a downtown location (144 Yonge St.) was just added. Insider tip: Save room for the ice cream baklava sandos.

Mellis Chocolate opened in North York (5418 Yonge St., Unit 10) just in time for the holidays. Shop handcrafted chocolates in captivating flavours - Buckthorn Vanilla, Egg Nog, Kir Sake, Maple Pine Nut, Mulled Wine, Yuzu Meringue - made without any artificial flavours, essences or preservatives. Customizable all-chocolate fortune cookies are also available.

Chef Matty Matheson’s one-day only holiday pop-up on Saturday features his line of Matheson Cookware with Castor Design (you know their interiors: Oddfellows, Parts & Labour, and P&L Burger) and other items at 132 Ossington Ave. (formerly motorcyclist heaven Town Moto for a decade) is happening Saturday 11am-7pm.

ISO Halal Pakistani and Indian fare? Look no further than Naan Karahi & BBQ (1330 Gerrard St. E.) in Gerrard India Bazaar for what they say is the “best karahi ever in GTA.” 

Old Avenue Restaurant and Bakery (1923C Avenue Rd.) quietly opened last week. The cuisine: Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia). The setting: Grandmacore at its finest. 

Osmow’s shawarmas and other Mediterranean fare has landed in Woodbridge at Weston Rd & Hwy 7 (7600 Weston Rd., Unit 45).

97 Harbord St. has good bones and history: It’s been home to FLOCK, THR & Co., and Messis. And now Parquet. The new French destination in Harbord Village is heavy with talent including executive chef Jeremy Dennis (Burdock, Chantecler, Woodlot, Montgomery’s), and maître d’/sommelier Lexi Wolkowski (Brothers, Bar Raval) with interiors by Solid Design Creative (Canoe, Dasha, Koukla). Fun fact: It’s helmed by lawyers Daniel Bernstein and Matt Cohen. 

Speaking of French food, French bistro Taverne Tamblyn (1426 Danforth Ave.) has moved into Sarah’s Cafe and Bar’s old digs in the east end. Expect daily menus featuring traditional French fare. Owner Ben Gundy has industry chops: He was President of Summerhill’s Olliffe Butcher Shop  for over a decade, and executive chef at Toronto restaurants including Jacobs and Co. Steakhouse and Brassaii, to name a few.

Attention boba lovers: Tru Bubble Tea softly opes in Oakville (337A Kerr St.) tomorrow, 12 noon to 10pm.

CHANGES

Boutique pastry shop Petit Paris (1879 Gerrard St. E.) just launched their first ever dine-in experience, starting with brunch, with evening bistro meals to begin in the new year.

CLOSED NOW

Last month I let you in on Kim Ng’s The Good Goods at Asian food hall Superfresh (384 Bloor St. W.) in the Annex coming to an end on Sunday.

Markham’s Iki Shokupan (1271 Denison St., Unit 47) has temporarily closed “to reflect on our business and how we can continue our commitment to all of our dear friends and customers.”

While King’s Karahi (1330 Gerrard St. E.) has shuttered, the new eatery in its stead is still karahi focused. Details above.

As I reported earlier this month, Saturday is also the final day for Little Sister Baking at Market 707 (707 Dundas St. W.).

TR Newsletter subscribers are already in the know. Get yourself to Alana Nogueda's stellar Port Light on Bloor (946 Bloor St. W.) before doors close on December 22. Luckily, her Shameful Tiki Room is here to stay.

On Monday Shawarma City announced they are “forced to shut down our business by December 20th” due to “a new condo construction development.” The owners of the two-year old Scarborough restaurant (1035 Markham Rd.) hope to relocate “when the right location is found In the near future.”

An Indian restaurant has moved into Spice 505’s recent home in Greektown (505 Danforth Ave.).

Saturday’s the last day for Kimberly Alke’s stellar Cabbagetown’s home goods shop Spruce Toronto (455 Parliament St.) filled with kitchen, bar, and pantry items. While the brick-and-mortar is coming to a close after ten years, a relaunch IRL “sometime soon” is a possibility, and online with a “few pop-ups throughout the year” is in the works.

Vancouver’s Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods took a chance on Toronto in 2019. The first in the 6ix (sixth overall) at 151 Yonge St. closed during the pandemic, reopening in June 2020 for a short time.

NEWS

Vito Caputo, a beloved employee of Toronto's independent grocery store Fiesta Farms, passed away.

Trevane "Tre" Sanderson, currently chef de partie at Vela, is the winner of season ten of Top Chef Canada.

After last week’s recalls, the watch continues with Everland Organic Coconut Chocolate Bark recalled due to undeclared milk, and Taynton Bay Spirits brand Pickle Vodka recalled due to elevated levels of copper. [UPDATE: 12.18.22. Alpha Plant-based Breakfast Sandwich – Meatless Sausage recalled due to undeclared milk, and Scotian Isle Baked Goods brand Chicken Pot Pie 5in. recalled due to undeclared egg.]

ICYMI

It’s been a whirlwind for Mann Bijlani lately. After popping up in May, Florette officially opened on Queen West last month. He sat down to share his favourite dish to make right now (drool), the inspiring book he’s currently reading (*adds to cart*), his biggest influence (all the feels), where to get the best slice in the 6ix and much more in this month’s compelling At The Pass. 

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in November alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

At The Pass with Mann Bijlani

The acclaimed long-running At The Pass series showcases Toronto and the GTA’s best chefs. You won’t find any celebrities featured here. Perhaps you already know these fine cooks, but maybe not. They’re not famous - yet. But it’s time these talented, passionate, hard-working chefs got a bit of the spotlight. Meet Mann Bijlani.

🕘 6.5. min read

Currently

Chef, Florette

Formerly

Toronto: Vela, Bar Buca (Eglinton). Italy: Antica Corte Pallavicina. Bangkok: GAA. Mumbai: Danda Food Project, among others.

Favourite dish to make right now

The Chocolate Tart on the current menu at Florette. It’s an aerated almost flan-like dark chocolate filling, spelt flour in the crust base, caramelized white chocolate mousse and a semi-sweet chocolate crumb.

Last cookbook purchase

You and I Eat the Same: On the Countless Ways Food and Cooking Connect Us to One Another (Mad Dispatches, Volume 1) edited by Chris Yang

Have you read it/tried any recipes

It’s not exactly a cookbook but more a collection of essays touching upon how the cuisine of today has come to be, and the fact that every cuisine is individual in itself but we share more in common with each other than we tend to realize. It’s a must-read.

Beets in the Ground. Beets, goat cheese crema, brown butter vinaigrette, umami soil. Currently on the menu at Florette.

One dish or ingredient you’d like to see gone from menus

Burrata. It had its day but now it’s on menus everywhere. It’s delicious but I think that I’ve seen or tried every version of it possible. There’s a world of fresh cheese out there and it’s time we start highlighting more of that.

And one dish or ingredient that you’re excited about right now and would like to see on more menus

Paw Paw. I missed the short harvest window by the time we opened Florette, but I’m eager to play with it next year.

Biggest influences

My mother, Jyoti. I used to idolize chefs and mentors, those with the highest rankings or most accolades. But truth be told, I am who I am today and where I am today thanks to the woman that raised me and I’m eternally grateful to her.

If you could eat at any restaurant in the world

Alchemist or Asador Etxebarri.

Last thing you ate

A slice of Badiali’s pizza. Their vodka slice is the best slice in this city, in my humble opinion.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

Butter, Miso, Mortadella/Prosciutto Cotto.

Guilty pleasure

A McGriddle. I’m not a huge McDonald’s supporter, but there’s just something about them.

BC Manila Clams,. Nduja butter, lemon vinaigrette, fried curry leaves. “An homage to my background from India, travelling Italy and living in Canada.” Find it on the Florette menu.

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

Beast Pizza, Lake Inez, Dotty’s.

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

I’m more geared towards dining out than hitting up bars but if I had to pick: Sakai Bar, Project Gigglewater, The Shameful Tiki Room.

Your go-to drink

N/A.

One habit you have in the kitchen that you should lose, but can’t seem to shake

Letting go. I’m not a control freak but I like things done in a certain way. I’m learning to change that. Learning to accept that there’s multiple ways to achieve the same outcome.

And one habit you have in the kitchen that will inspire young chefs

If I were to guess, I’d say my willingness to fail but also not caring about people’s opinions whether I fail or succeed. I always try creating a dish from a blank slate. And reaching the final version is sometimes easy, but sometimes involves a series of failures that eventually yield a brilliant product. And sometimes, the dish doesn’t work out at all. But understanding that’s part of the process has helped me grow so much as an individual and I hope that can inspire others to fail as well.

Rainbow Trout, piperade, crispy mustard greens. A dish Mann whipped up during the pandemic.

Hidden talent

I love selling and flipping things. It’s not really to make money but I just find it fun: sneakers, garage sales, used Japanese knives, you name it.

Best career advice you ever received

Not to be cheesy here, but I grew up watching No Reservations on TV. The series ends with Anthony Bourdain’s now famous quote: “If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food, it's a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.”

Worst career advice you ever received

It’s weird but I’ve never really been given ‘horrible’ advice. There’s always someone’s opinion I won’t agree with or perspective I don’t understand, but I’ve been able to filter most advice handed out to me to make my own decisions.

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business

Expose yourself to as much of the unknown as possible. If an opportunity presents itself, take it. Your time is your currency. If a job doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, it’s because it isn’t. Find the things that truly make you love cooking and hold on to them. There will be tough days and knowing why you started in the first place will keep you moving forward.

Discover more chefs in the At The Pass series.

Know someone in Toronto or GTA who should be featured? Submit their name for consideration. (And yes, you can nominate yourself.)

For breaking news, updates, interviews + much more, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter.   

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 8-14, 2022

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 7 min read

Big launches and more closures are just part of this week’s surprising lineup.

Pro tip: Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and announcements. You won’t believe what’s up next.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

% Arabica Coffee debuts at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) Saturday. Bonus: The first 100 customers will receive a complimentary canelé pastry and bag of % Arabica coffee with the purchase of any size coffee, while supplies last. The long-awaited first location of the world-renowned, design-forward brand from Kyoto, Japan to enter the Canadian market will be followed by an outpost at Union Station.

Delly Belly (638 Queen St. W.) offers “the imperial taste of old Delhi,” by way of Dal Makhni, Malai Chaap, Chicken 65 and other fare. Fun fact: Before the building was recently home to 6ix Pizzas, Smoke Bar & Kitchen, and Lisa Marie, it was The Prague for decades.

The first fast casual salad-centric Forest Hill Farmhouse (2 Lola Rd.) debuts Monday in Midtown. Insider tip: Go early. The first 100 customers receive a free tote bag with purchase.

Heavenly Desserts founded in in 2008 in the UK has gone on to be an international brand. The first Canadian branch kicks off Saturday in Mississauga (5840 Mavis Rd.) with a lineup of signature eats (‘three milk’ cakes, cookie dough, ‘Grow Up’ dessert made to look like a potted plant) and drinks (mojitos, martinis, milkshakes). 

Psst. Mirage Mediterranean Restaurant (1620 Bayview Ave.) softly opened a two-storey, richly designed destination in Leaside with an array of Persian & Mediterranean fare. 

Attention KFC lovers: The first North American outpost of NeNe Chicken, South Korea’s authentic fried chicken chain founded in 1999, opens Saturday in North York. Grand opening of NeNe Chicken (4891 Yonge St.) takes place Saturday and Sunday starting at 2pm, with the first 50 customers receiving a free tasting box. Conditions apply.

From Pancit Bihon to Lechon Kawali, Pampanguena has been cooking up a dizzying array of traditional Pampanguena-style Filipino dishes for over 25 years. Check out their new digs at Bathurst and Wilson (373 Wilson Ave.). 

Patties Express has had one helluva busy year. Following a launch at the Eaton Centre in October, another downtown destination debuted Monday, this time in the Financial District (Commerce Court: 199 Bay St.).

The Piano Piano fam continues to grow. TR Newsletter subscribers got dibs this summer on Chef Victor Barry s (Piano Piano, Piccolo Piano) new Brooklyn-style ‘za spot  Piano Piano The Pizzeria at Chef’s Hall (111 Richmond St. W.) and the fun continues with Piano Piano numero quattro comin’ in hot to the St. Lawrence ‘nabe (55 Colborne St.).

Rochelle Desouza’s Pretty Little Layers first pop-up launches this weekend. Stock up on mini entremets and other French confections at Square One’s The District Kitchen (100 City Centre Dr.) December 11-18.

Discover a wide variety of fresh fruit and veg, groceries and flowers at Cabbagetown’s Star Fruit Market (523 Parliament St.)

If you love Korean tofu pockets, this one’s for you: Head to YUBU on the edge of a U of T campus (364 Huron St.) to satiate your cravings.

CLOSED

After 47 years, Saturday was the final hurrah for Centro Trattoria & Formaggi (1224 St Clair Ave. W.).

Customers were shocked to discover the sudden closure of Da Best Filipino Bakery and Eatery (373 Wilson Ave.). Announcement of the closure was made June 16.

Kew Garden Variety (1973 Queen St. E.) has been a mainstay in The Beach since the early 2000s. A handwritten note from Peter & Veronica posted on the door notifying customers and neighbours doors have closed “due to personal reasons. It reads, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. We wish all the best for you.”

Isaan Der has been making its way across the city since its launch in The Junction in 2017. The Midtown location ((2013 Yonge St.) arrived mid-2020 but closed recently. Did you know? A location landed in the east end where Ruby Watchco stood for a decade early last year. Next up: Richmond Hill.

Proving yet again that striking interiors and popular dishes does not ensure success, the first Toronto LOV at King and Portland (620 King St. W., Suite 102) a fermé. The plant-based eatery from Montreal arrived in the 6ix Fall '19. Doors closed at the end of November. 

6ix Pizzas (638 Queen St. W.) may have closed, check out the Beaches location (2070 Queen St. E.) that opened earlier this year.

The U Kitchen (364 Huron St.) is on the move.

CHANGES

Tosho Knife Arts (934 Bathurst St.) moved across the street. Find them in their new digs at 913 Bathurst St.

NEWS

Attn hospitality workers: Nonprofit organization The Full Plate, in partnership with FoodShare Toronto, is offering free organic produce box delivered to your door at no cost.

After last week’s roster of recalls, another slew’s rolled in, this time: Igor Gorgonzola mild ripened blue-veined cheese recalled due to listeria, Pinty's Eatwell Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets recalled due to pieces of rubber, and an Ikea Metallisk Espresso maker recalled due to burn and injury hazards.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100 new arrivals in November alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 1-7, 2022

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 9.5 min

This week’s 20 arrivals come in fast and furious, with some businesses launching not one, but two spots simultaneously, and more closures you didn’t see coming. As these are just the tip of the iceberg, make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and announcements. There’s a lot more to come.

In the meantime, here’s the very latest:

OPEN NOW

Bread and brews are at the heart of Bevi Birra in Woodbridge. Find their second focaccia-focused sando joint and craft beer bottle shop nestled in the heart of the Junction (3072 Dundas St. W.).

After taking over Dog Fish Bar & Grill this summer, Curbside Dogs owner Peter Berbatiotis went to town on reimagining it. The Mediterranean style destination Bluffers Restaurant & Event Centre (7 Brimley Rd. S.) has a new look and menu. See for yourself - grand opening festivities take place Saturday complete with a Greek band and dancers, and four-course meal.

Burger Factory boasts 25+ locations across the GTA – and one in New Jersey of all places. The latest debuted Saturday at Yonge and College (437 Yonge St.). This marks the the Ontario chain’s second burger joint downtown.

If you’re in Ajax, Oshawa or Thornhill, you may know Chowrasta Indian Cuisine. For those in Midtown (164 Eglinton Ave. E.) and Markham (2901 Markham Rd., Unit 18), digging into their rich curries and dishes straight out of the tandoor oven just got a whole lot easier.

The name says it all. Classic Greek in Stoufville (18 Ringwood Dr.) does all hits: souvlaki, calamari. spanakopita, saganaki, Greek salad, baklava - with American classics (burger, Philly Cheesesteak) and a mashup (Greek Gyro Poutine) added in for good measure. A second location has landed in Markham (5995 14th Ave.).

The Parlour’s (642 King St. W.) Deer Lady, perched above, is a weekend only destination (Fri-Sat) complete with cocktails and nibbles. Think: mini lobster roll and pizettes.

The first Canadian outpost of Don’t Yell At Me, a Taiwanese bubble tea shop co-founded by Taiwanese TV star Yako Chan opened in Calgary March 2020, quickly followed by two more locations in the vicinity. Psst. The first Ontario store just launched in North York (5336 Yonge St.). The only challenge? Trying to make plans and dropping the phrase “Don’t yell at me” to someone not in the know.

Speaking of bbt, Gong Cha has been doing it up these last few years. Discover the latest on the Ossington strip (139 Ossington Ave.).

Croissanterie Hazukido’s grand opening at CF Fairview Mall (1800 Sheppard Ave. E.) this weekend is full of sorts of goodies: new flavours exclusive to the event, daily prizes and other great offers. Pro tip: Get there early. Doors open at 11am. 

The menu at Ladybug Tavern (890 College St.) spans many countries and cuisines, from stone-fired calzones ($16-$18) and Chicago Dog ($13) to Cockney Fish & Chips ($20) and Steak Frites ($35). Weekend brunch offers classic crowd pleasers (eggs, sandwiches, French toast) as well as a Breakfast Pizza ($18): a classic Margherita topped with scrambled eggs and bacon. 

Turkish fare has landed inside a tudor structure at Yonge and Davisville via Nevizade Kitchen + Bar (1954 Yonge St.). Dig into Lentil Soup ($7), Cig Kofte ($8), Pastrami Humus ($12), Grilled Kofte ($24), Chicken Chops ($26), and Seabream ($29), alongside pub fare such as Nachos ($12), Nevizade Burger ($22) and Spaghetti Bolognese ($20).

Olive Oil Emporium, Toronto's “only retailer for Ultra Premium certified extra virgin olive oils & cask-aged balsamic vinegars on tap” poured fresh in-store, moved on from its previous stomping grounds (details below) to set up shop in Mount Pleasant Village (608 Mount Pleasant Rd.).

Cokkleaning up this holiday season is a breeze thanks to zero waste store Omo Bamboo Shop with a wide selection of eco-friendly kitchen and household items and bulk refills at their new store in East Chinatown (362 Broadview Ave.).

Pi Co. is always adding to the fam. Find the latest outpost of the Neapolitan-style pizzeria chain in Liberty Village (61 Hanna Ave.). 

The “first Canadian pancake franchise” Stacked Pancake House, with 35 locations across the country, has moved into what was formerly a kickboxing studio in Greektown (425 Danforth Ave.). In addition to limited-time selections of Gingerbread Waffle, Red Velvet Oreo Pancakes, and Cherry Vanilla Streusel French Toast, there’s a bevy of lunch sandos, burgers and chicken fingers on deck. On a budget? Grab the Breakfast Special for $5.99 weekdays from 7am-9am. 

Chef Ahmet Dogan worked in a variety of establishments for over two decades before establishing Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine in North York. The co-founder/head chef’s latest iteration, Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine softly opens in Mississauga (5055 Plantation Pl.) on Saturday.

The eponymous dish at Tacos Moras new digs at St. Clair and Bathurst (547 St. Clair Ave. W.) isn’t all that’s on offer. Discover beef, pork chicken, fish, shrimp, and cactus tucked into burritos, quesadillas, and tortas as well.

10 Dean Café is a new café/bar concept by Fitzrovia Real Estate “coming soon to all Fitzrovia communities.” The first just launched inside The Waverley (484 Spadina Ave.) and The Parker (200 Redpath Ave.) offering coffee by day and wine and cocktails by night for residents and public alike.

CLOSED

Banjara Indian Cuisine’s long-running Eglinton outpost (164 Eglinton Ave. E.) may be gone, but their stalwart at Bloor and Christie and recent arrival in Scarborough are ready to serve you.

Café Belong and Belong Catering have been a part of Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave.) since 2011. Operating partner Chef Brad Long is “wandering off” to continue work on his Belong Sharbot Lake in Eastern Ontario. Psst. Taking its place? Picnic Café, Restaurant & Wine Shop, opening soon. Stay tuned.

One of the most exciting launches of 2021? Little Sister Baking at Market 707 (707 Dundas St. W.). The micro Desi bakery by talented siblings Akash and Tanvi, was already a sensation from their online and pop-up roots with drool-inducing concoctions including Black Pepper Chicken Puff, Rasam Galette, Narangi Shahi Tukda, Haldi Doodh, and Ras Malai cakes, Sadly, doors are closing December 17. In the meantime, discover this dynamic duo’s favourite bars and restos around town, guilty pleasures, hidden talents and much more in the At The Pass.  

While Olive Oil Emporium has shuttered two locations - Wychwood Heights (659 St. Clair Ave. W.) after an eight year run, and Leaside (1707 Bayview Ave.) - a new store just launched. See above.

After serving the Trinity-Bellwoods community for 13 years, The Tampered Press (256 Crawford St., Unit B) is closing at the end of the year. Insider tip: For those in the area looking to get their java fix, new occupants Morning Parade Coffee will have you covered soon.

NEWS

Street closures and repairs continue to wreak havoc on local businesses including those in Little Portugal.

You’re paying more for groceries now. According to an expert, you can add your holiday turkey to the list.

Joining last week’s recalls: Alpha Plant-Based Breakfast Sandwich - Meatless Sausage recalled due to undeclared milk, Cruzilles Acid Mini Pastille – Fruit Jellies recalled due to undeclared milk, TUMS Peppermint Regular Strength tablets - one lot recalled due to contamination, Cuisinart Compact Blender & Juice Extractor Combo recalled due to injury hazard, and The Laundress laundry and household cleaning products recalled due to risk of exposure to bacteria. [UPDATE: 05.12.22 TUMS recall updated to foreign matter.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in October alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 24-30, 2022

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

 🕘 12.5 min read

This month has been a whirlwind. Right from the get-go, you can feel the city shift week to week to week. And the trend continues with this week’s 22 arrivals. As for the closures, there are many more to come, so whenever and whenever you can, support local businesses and order directly from establishments when ordering pickup and delivery.

Pro tip: More news ahead in The Tip Off , exclusively available in the TR Newsletter . And make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and exciting announcements.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

After a successful pop-up in Bloordale, Afrobeaet Kitchen has a spot to call its very own. Head to their new digs in Parkdale (1510 Queen St. W. - recently Escape Goat) for an array of new West African fare.

Canadian clothing co Aritzia knows fits and lattes go hand. Since 2019 they’ve been adding striking A-OK Cafés to select locations. As recently as last month, in fact. Hot tip: Grab a Greenwich Pant, River Jacket, matcha latte and pastry at the new outpost in Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) opening today, just in time for Black Friday sales. 

French resto La Banane (227 Ossington Ave.) recently made the Michelin Guide Toronto Recommended Restaurants list. Debuting today: Bar Banane on the second floor. Did you know? The space was originally to be luxe fondue bar Man Ray Bar À Vin.

Get yourself to The Burrow Coffee at Victoria Park and St. Clair (1093 Victoria Park Ave). The new warm and welcoming coffeeshop offers a ‘sip and shop’ experience: grab coffee, baked goods and shop their carefully curated local market including handmade clothing, jewelry, soap and much more.

From the folks behind “Toronto's first space-themed storefront” and food truck The Hungry Moon comes Buwan (1275 Morningside Ave., Unit 7) . The Scarborough eatery is home to traditional Filipino fare – silogs galore – alongside concoctions with western influences such as Adobo Fried Chicken.

The ghost kitchens at 20 Lockport Ave. in Etobicoke continue to grow - Chef Mayo’s Grill Inc. softly opened with an array of African meals featuring suya, asun peppered gizzard, and spicy fried yam, and sides of jollof rice, fried plantain, spicy potatoes and coleslaw.

Chica’s Nashville Hot Chicken debuted in 2018 and made headlines two months ago when it made the Toronto Michelin Bib Gourmand list. The second venue softly opened today in The Annex (495 Bloor St. W.) Pro tip: Visit today and tomorrow 4pm-7pm for $8 sandos. The space was recently home to short-lived Hoagie Station and Tea 18.

ChiChop debuted at Yonge and Carlton back in 2017 and expanded to Koreatown in 2018. The Yonge St. store still exists under its other moniker Cheers Cut offering Taiwanese-inspired cuisine, best known for their signature 12-ounce XXL fried chicken. Steering away from fried fare, Chichop x Norigo - a poke concept out of Hamilton - just landed in Chinatown (460 Spadina Ave., Unit B). 

TR Newsletter subscribers already know. The latest addition to King Street Food Company’s Buca family was set to launch a few years back, but as with much of the world, those plans got put on hold. Joining Buca King (604 King St. W.) and Buca Yorkville (53 Scollard St.): Cucina Buca at Yonge & St. Clair (2 St Clair Ave. W., Suite 100). Doors opened Tuesday.

The Daughter (1560A Bayview Ave.) has been in the works for what feels like forever. PSA: Worth the wait. Doors finally opened yesterday. The natural wine bar, bottle shop and restaurant in Leaside is serving up sips and snacks all day. 

Dosa Boyz (551 Curran Pl.) has landed in Mississauga. Dig into Lamb Keema Poutine and James Bond inspired Chicken 007 and take part in the Gabbar Gol Gappa Challenge (latter available for dine-in only).        

TR Newsletter subscribers heard about it first: Donna's (827 Landsdowne Ave.) is at it again. Find “tasty drinks and snacks" at their new destination The Golden Peacock at Dundas near Roncesvalles (2102 Dundas St. W.), formerly neighbourhood stalwart Bar Graciosense.

Jerk Brothers owner/chef Collin Black has been cooking up a storm for Toronto and the GTA since the early 2000s with his catering and food truck. Head to the first brick-and-mortar outpost in Mississauga (4070 Living Arts Dr., Unit 2) for everything from Stuffed Patty and Jerk Chicken Poutine to Irie Burger and Curry Goat. Halal options available.

Find the latest Lazeez Sharwarma in Etobicoke at Kipling and Lake Shore (3260 Lake Shore Blvd. W.).

Acai berry lovers, Oakberry Acai Bowls & Smoothies is now open at Union Station., following the first Canadian outpost that opened this summer in Mississauga (219 Queen St. S.) .

The Historic Distillery District is home to many destinations for brews. Old Flame Brewing Company, which has locations in Port Perry and Newmarket, touched down in the heart of the tourist attraction (43 Tank House Lane) earlier this week.

ISO thin crust, NY style ‘za? Head east. Otherside Pizza just debuted in The Beach (1911 Queen St. E.) with a concentrated lineup: seven selections available whole (18”- $24-$29) or by the  slice ($5-$5.95). Expect sauce and cheese (The Kevin, Burrata), cheese and leaves (Ricotta & Greens), pepperoni (King Roni), meat lovers (Mikey). Korean bulgogi and kimchi aioli festoon The Nora while The Beach boasts three divisive toppings - pineapple, cilantro and spam. Fun facts: The space was formerly home to The Sweet Oven and Aki Da Japanese Seafood House, back in the day, a garage, and almost Alexandra Camila Boutique Patisserie.

Grand opening celebrations for Scarborough’s The Oven Fresh (3420 Sheppard Ave. E.) took place Saturday. The new Indian restaurant at Sheppard and Warden is serving up a bevy of fare including Gobi Manchurian ($10.99) Kappa Vevichathe and Fish Curry ($9.99) and Duck Masala ($14.99) with Vellayaapm ($0.99) and Portotta ($1.75), with a variety of dishes available weekends only including Pidi & Kozhi Curry ($14.99), Crab Roast ($18.49) and Mutton Stew ($15.49).

The fifth outpost of Scotty Bons Caribbean Grill has arrived. Head to Keele and Wilson (2737 Keele St.) in North York and load up on patties, jerk chicken, curry goat, Cajun fish and oxtail.

Grand opening festivities for Second City’s new digs take place Wednesday. The new home of numerous comedic geniuses (Best alumni  ever?) spans 28,700 square foot on the third floor of One York (1 York St.) boasting “multiple comedy theatres for live performance, the Toronto branch of its world-leading improvisation-based arts school, and a games-driven bar and restaurant.” bringing back “dinner and a show.” to full effect.

The first north of the border outpost of American chain Wingstop arrived earlier this summer, closely followed by a ghost kitchen. The latest takes over a former Pizza Pizza (780 Danforth Ave.), next door to Boukan Edible Bliss (774 Danforth Ave.) that arrived in September. Grand opening is happening Saturday. Head’s up: Get there early: First 100 guests receive a six-piece wing combo. Other happenings: 10 winners receive free wings for a year, art showcase and mural unveiling, DJ, food sampling and more. Doors open at 1pm. Terms and conditions apply.

CLOSED  

Caravan Café & Tea House (1165 Bloor St. W.) launched during the pandemic with eats by Afrobeat Kitchen (see above). Weeks later, Hotay's Mac & Cheese was added to the mix.

TR Newsletter subscribers got the scoop first. GoodGood says bye bye. The pop-up/commerce company founded by Robert Kim and Kris Linney raised 6.5M to launch last winter. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to keep doors open. The café concept announced sudden closure of all cafes and their delivery network on their website and social media Sunday. The rapid expansion across the city – 5 cafes in less than a year - during a global crisis was ambitious to say the least. December 2021: Adelaide, Feb 2022: Esplanade. March 2022: St. Clair West  May 2022: Queen St. W. and new outpost for Adelaide on the same day. Queen St. delay announced shortly after. June 2022: Queen St. opens. August 2022: Yonge & Davisville.

The Hungry Moon (4190 Kingston Rd.) in Scarborough may have come to a close, but the team has cooked up something new. Details above.

News broke earlier this week of the impending closure of Leslieville stalwart Leslie Jones (1182 Queen St. E.). Doors first opened in 2006 and will close “in the new year.”

Notice of the last days of Love Child Social House at their current spot (69 Bathurst St.) came late September. You’ve got until Saturday to get your dance on until they find a new home.

NEWS

In addition to last week’s food recalls, Sélection du Pâtissier Lemon and Poppyseed Poundcake was recalled due to pieces of plastic, and Indigo Branded Papa Bear and Mama Bear Mugs recalled due to burn and laceration hazards. [UPDATE: 26.11.22 Lebby Dark Chocolate Chickpea Snacks recalled due to undeclared milk.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in October alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more. 

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 17-23, 2022

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 6 min read

This week’s edition is full of surprises from a hidden destination in Yorkville to a restaurant doling out cash for trivia knowledge.

Pro tip: Stay tuned. More news ahead in The Tip Off , exclusively available in the TR Newsletter . And make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and exciting announcements.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

ISO of Afghani fare in the GTA? Bamiyan Kabob has landed in Oakville (250 Hampshire Gate) with an array of kabobs, wraps, salads and more.

Brasa Peruvian Kitchen touched down in the 6ix just last year but has already built up a small empire. Visit their new spot at Queen and John (317 Queen St. W.) Head’s up: Go this weekend and you can win cold hard cash for your knowledge about Peru.

Psst. Yorkville just got another hidden destination. Say hello to C Suite (126A Cumberland St.), a bespoke cocktail bar and lounge with mixologist Albert Han - master of concoctions at Markham’s Kiu Japanese Restaurant - behind the bar. The sleek space was home to Jacques Bistro Du Parc until earlier this year.

Head to Gate 8 Bistro (73 Roncesvalles Ave.) in Roncesvalles Village for grub (the burgers are already popular) and drinks in the unique space formerly home to The Simple Kitchen.

The trajectory of Gus Tacos has included three names – Taqueria Gus to start, followed by Tacos Gus (still in effect as their website domain) and for some time now, their current moniker – and multiple locations. Insider tip: An outpost in Scarborough’s Cliffcrest kicks off today.

Moto Via’s Woodbridge location (7600 Weston Rd) debuted last week. Fun fact: The local Italian chain known for its pizza and pasta also employed different namesakes for its various concepts back in 2019.

The third Mr Congee Chinese Cuisine has softly opened. The Cantonese restaurant in Markham’s New Kennedy Square (8362 Kennedy Rd., Unit 8) offers up a wide variety of dishes from Chicken Soup with Black Pepper Pork Stomach to Crispy Spiced Pigeon served whole.

A colourful mural depicts menu options at Oasis Shawarma and Wings (3308 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Unit 5) in Etobicoke.

Amongst the countless dishes available at Pho Anh Vu (420 Hwy 7, Unit 34) in Richmond Hill, you find a few specialties: Bun Bo Hue, Spicy hue style beef and pork and blood pudding with vermicelli soup; and only available Friday-Sunday Spicy hue style beef special with crab cake, homemade sausage, rare beef with vermicelli soup, beef shank and ham hock.

Peterborough’s petite plant-based Revelstoke Café & Kitchen and Revelstoke Bake House just debuted plant-centric restaurant Revelstoke in Cabbegetown (195 Carlton St.), open for for brunch, lunch, dinner and cafe service where The Irv Gastro Pub stood until recently. Are you a sticker enthusiast? Add your faves to their wall.

Holiday shopping just got a helluva lot easier thanks to Seaton Village’s new arrival Tiny’s General Store (80 Barton Ave.). Start with the French press and pour over carafe and local leather goods. Another reason to go? The Sonndr Cafe (805 Dovercourt Rd.) is onsite.

Elisa Cart opened at University and Dundas in September and I gave you the head’s up on their next addition. Introducing Yeondon Ball Katsu (209 Dundas St. W.). The focus: Korea’s famous ball katsu – deep-fried breaded ground meat or cheese –  also available as sliders in three varieties: Tartar, Teriyaki, and Spicy Salsa. Doors open Friday.

CLOSED

Did you get to visit Grand Lake Chinese Cuisine and Banquet  (8362 Kennedy Rd, Unit 8) before they closed? For what’s replaced it, see above.

CHANGES 

Judy’s Island Grill in York is now Sheryl's Caribbean Cuisine (1720 Eglinton Ave. W.). While the name and look may have changed, the owner, food and location remain the same.

NEWS

Ontario Sports fans can have a bevy as early as 7am during the taking place November 20-December 18, 2022.

Food recalls haven’t let up. This week: Hardbite Wild Onion & Yogurt Potato Chips recalled due to undeclared milk, Lactaid 4% Milkfat Min. Cottage Cheese recalled due to plastic, and Loop Mission Sparkling Strawberry Probiotic Soda recalled due to possible spoilage.

ICYMI

ByBlacks.com Restaurant Week is back in the 6ix. Explore the exciting lineup and prix fixe menus for the BRW 2022 Fall Edition now.

Industry: Promote your takeout + delivery, private event space, holiday events, heated patio, products, merch + gift cards  to an exclusive foodie audience. Get started now.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in October alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

ByBlacks Restaurant Week 2022 Fall Edition: Toronto

🕘 8.5 min read

ByBlacks.com biannual foodie event celebrating and promoting Black-owned Canadian businesses returns to Toronto this week with an exciting lineup of local chefs, restaurants, food trucks, pop-up kitchens, and caterers serving up enticing fare from vegan stews to oxtail mac and cheese.

Established in 2021, ByBlacks Restaurant Week (BRW) kicks off the 2022 Fall Edition in Toronto this week November 14-20 at eateries across the 6ix (downtown Toronto, York, North York, Mississauga, Oakville) as well as destinations throughout Ontario and other provinces.*

Discover three-course prix fixe menus ($20-$40 plus tax) for brunch, lunch and dinner featuring classic African and Caribbean dishes, modern renditions and fusion fare available for dine-in, takeout and delivery at 20+ participating Toronto restaurants.

The Abibiman Project
A social enterprise focused on celebrating the diverse and unique flavours of the African continent.
Committed to Black food sovereignty, food justice and storytelling
930 St Clair Ave. W., Unit 201 | Toronto | 647-468-8075

Appetizer
Kelewele (V) or Okra Salad (V)

Entrée
Hibiscus Prawns, Poulet Muamba or Mushroom Veg Dish (V) with coconut rice and spiced cabbage

Dessert
Red Palm And Lime or Xawaash Brownie

$35 + tax

Betta Yaad Taste
Seafood Takeout & Catering
1568 Eglinton Ave. W. | York | 647-347-7777

Appetizer
Festival

Entrée
Fried Fish And Chips Meal

Dessert
Cotton Candy

$35 + tax

Boukan Edible Bliss 11
Haitian Restaurant
774 Danforth Ave. | Toronto | 416-686-1880

 BRUNCH

Appetizer
2 Spicy Mango Phyllo Bites

Entrée
Caesar Jerk Chicken Sandwich with a side of green plantain, sweet plantain, or home fries

Dessert
2 Jamaican Rum Cheesecake Bites

$25 + tax

• • •

DINNER

Appetizer
4 Marinade/Haitian Dumplings

Entrée
Beef or Chicken with rice & peas, and pikliz (spicy coleslaw)

Dessert
4 Banana Beignets with Mango Sauce

$30 + tax

Carib 21
Caribbean Restaurant
2039 Eglinton Ave. E. | York | 647-979-2121

Appetizer
2 Vegetable Spring Rolls served with plum sauce (serves 2)

Entrée
Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese Bowl (serves 2)

Dessert
2 Rum Cake Slices

$30 + tax

Caribbean Slice
Caribbean Pizzeria
1764 Eglinton Ave. W. | York | 416- 901-3313

Appetizer
1lb Wings

Entrée
Medium Jerk Chicken Pizza

Dessert
Small Fries

$28 + tax

Caribbean Cuisine
Caribbean Restaurant
North York: 3125 Dufferin St. 416-781-8338 | Etobicoke: 2140 Kipling Ave. 416-744-0211

Appetizer
Festival

Entrée
Ackee and Saltfish

Dessert
Potato Pudding

$30 + tax

Caribbean Queen Jerk
Caribbean Restaurant
Toronto: 393 Jane St. 416-901-9655 | York: 371 Oakwood Ave. 416-656-2000, 2079 Lawrence Ave. W. 647-346-7997
North York: 14 Bradstock Rd. 745 5561, 3408 Weston Rd. 416-746-8169

Appetizer
Dumpling or Festival

Entrée
Jerk, Fried or Curry Chicken Meal

Dessert
Potato Pudding

$20 + tax

Chic Peas Vegan Cuisine
Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant
5210 Yonge St. | North York | 647-207-7395

Appetizer
Baked Veggie Samosas (3)

Entrée
Injera Platter with choice of three stews, teff & barley injera and salad
(Gluten-free option: Substitute injera for ginger turmeric basmati rice or quinoa)

Dessert
Double Chocolate & Walnut Brownie with coconut vanilla ice cream topped with toasted coconut
(Nut-free option available)

$29.95 + tax

Classic Juice Co.
Smoothie & Juice Bar
287 Coxwell Ave. | Toronto | 647-349-5483

Appetizer
Mango Salad

Entrée
Veggie Wrap: Spinach-flavoured vegan tortilla wrap with a hummus spread, veggie-packed with diced tomatoes, crisp cucumbers,
shredded carrots, diced beets, sweet potatoes and slivered red onions

Dessert
Vegan Banana Bread

$25 + tax

Cuisine By Noel
Caterer | 204-679-4690

Appetizer
Festivals  

Entrée
Oxtail Mac and Cheese

Dessert
Honey Cornbread

$20 + tax

Epiphany Foods & Catering
Caribbean Restaurant
2201 Finch Ave. W., Unit 3 | North York | 416-242-4077

Appetizer
Southern Fried Shrimp with dip

Entrée
Chicken Wing with festival or fries

Dessert
Rum Cake

$40 + tax

Ethan Chill Spot
Caribbean Restaurant
1727 Eglinton Ave. W. | York | 416-637-4028

Appetizer
Soup

Entrée
Jerk, Fried or Curry Chicken

Dessert
Rum Cake or Sweet Potato Pudding

$20 + tax

Irie Cuisine
Caribbean Restaurant
121 North Service Rd. E. | Oakville | 905-338-0599

Appetizer
Cod Fish Fritters with savoury sweet & spicy sauce

Entrée
Jerk Chicken seasoned with rice and peas, steamed vegetables, and sweet fried ripe plantain

Dessert
Slice of Baked Sweet Potato Pudding topped with rum sauce

$25 + tax

Island Hot & Spicy
Caribbean Restaurant
1334 Bloor St. W. | Toronto | 416-248-1100

Appetizer
Dumpling or Fried Plantain

Entrée
Large Jerk or Fried Chicken

Dessert
Coconut Drops or Rum Cake

$20 + tax

Jacko’s Restaurant
Caribbean Restaurant
2679 Eglinton Ave. W. | York | 416-654-6595

Appetizer
Fried Dumplings

Entrée
BBQ Ribs or BBQ Pork with Macaroni Pie

Dessert
Coconut Cake

$20 + tax

Mermaid’s Find
Seafood Restaurant
1550 Eglinton Ave. W. | York | 416-410-9002

Appetizer
Salt Fish Fritter 

Entrée
Mix Seafood Boil (Shrimp, Mussel, Lobster Tail, Crab Legs, Crawfish) - Changes allowed 

Dessert
Slice of Cake 

$39 + tax

Potluck Restaurant
Caribbean Restaurant
Mississauga: 1107 Britannia Rd. E. 905-608-0700 | 21 Dundas St. E. 905-566-5555
6590 Meadowvale Town Centre Cir. 905-826-2223 | 7070 St Barbara Blvd., Unit 40 905-565-2552

Appetizer
Lentil Soup

Entrée
Bar-B-Q Fried Chicken, Rice and Peas and Coleslaw

Dessert
Traditional Fruit Cake 

$25 + tax

Rap’s
Jamaican Restaurant
1541 Eglinton Ave. W. | York | 416-784-0008

Appetizer
Festival or Dumpling

Entrée
Large Jerk Chicken, Fried Chicken or BBQ Chicken

Dessert
Sweet Potato Pudding

$30 + tax

Scotthill Caribbean Cuisine
Jamaican Restaurant
1943 Avenue Rd. | North York | 416-551-6561

Appetizer
Vegetable Soup and choice of Ackee N Salt Fish with fried dumpling (Vegan Ackee available)
or Wings  with your choice of sauce (BBQ, Jerk, Honey Garlic, Sc’Hot n Honey)

Entrée
Choice of Jerk Chicken with rice & peas, coleslaw & plantain
or Veggie Channa (vegan/vegetarian)

Dessert
Slice of Rum Cake or Choice of Ice Cream (Mango, Rum n Raisin, Coconut, Soursop, Grape-Nut)

$30 + tax

Sheryl's Caribbean Cuisine
Caribbean Restaurant
1720 Eglinton Ave. W. | York | 647-348-1175

Appetizer
Festival

Entrée
Large Jerk, Fried or BBQ Chicken Meal

Dessert
Bread Pudding

$20 + tax

SugarKane
Caribbean Restaurant
699 Danforth Ave.| Toronto | 416-469-0808

Appetizer
Jerk Corn⁠

Entrée
Cajun Chicken Pasta⁠

Dessert
Salted Caramel Bread Pudding⁠

$30 + tax

For more information about ByBlacks Restaurant Week 2022 Fall Edition: Toronto including participating restaurants in Bowmanville, Brampton, Ottawa, Waterloo, Whitby, and Windsor, visit ByBlacks.com.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on new arrivals in the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal 

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 10-16, 2022

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 9.5 min read

This month welcomed a smorgasbord of concepts and my findings this week - 14 arrivals, 7 closures - continue run the gamut in every aspect Including setting, price and cuisine. You’ll also discover lots of first time ventures mingled in with concepts by some of the biggest names in the world including a two-time Canadian Olympian.

Pro tip: Stay tuned. More news ahead in The Tip Off , exclusively available in the TR Newsletter . And make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and exciting announcements.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Back in May I gave you the scoop on AP. Psst. The first elevator for world-renowned chef Antonio Park’s restaurant (55 Bloor St. W.) with Scale Hospitality Group (Byblos, Lapinou, Toronto Beach Club and new addition Miss Likklemores are just a small sampling of their portfolio), complete with sweeping views of the city’s skyline, ascends to the 51st floor Monday at 5pm.

This week’s hidden destination comes in the form of a bakery tucked away in a laneway in Hillcrest Village. Rebecca Howard’s Becked Goods (684 St. Clair Ave. W., rear unit off Humewood Dr.) is brimming with cookies, bars and coffee. Just look for the pretty-in-pink-tinged extension, previously home to Jack and Lil's Commissary Kitchen that shuttered earlier this year. 

Canine-centric cafes have a trend for some time, but this is the first dedicated to big loveable lug Berners. Grand opening for Markham’s The Bernese Barista (6 Nipigon Ave.) in Markham was June 24.

Brown Donkatsu And Ramen spent the pandemic expanding the brand: first in 2021 to North York, and earlier this year in Richmond Hill. Grand opening celebrations for their first downtown Korean donkatsu house (138 Dundas St. W.) take place Sunday. Enjoy 30 per cent off Sunday 11:30am-9pm. Conditions apply. 

Two sisters from Armenia have launched a European fine dining restaurant in Midtown. Chandelier Fine Dine (1993 Yonge St.) offers classic dishes refined with modern techniques: Roasted Cauliflower stuffed and topped with herbs and housemade tahini sauce (shareable for two), Chicken in Bacon with Pistachios, and Lamb Shank Braised In Beer. Desserts such as a realistic Flower Pot (semisweet chocolate pot, mascarpone cream, cherries in brandy, chocolate cake) and molecular cocktails round out the selections.

From cakes to croissants to macarons, Delysées Luxury Desserts is a one-stop-shop for all things decadently modern and sweet. Insider tip: Doors to the Yorkville outpost (161 Yorkville Ave.) are now open. 

From records to restaurants. Florette (1168 Queen St. W.) may be the first hospitality venture for owner Jerry Zhang, but it’s been a long-time dream for the former record label exec. The concept? “Funky,” local and seasonal focused sharing plates and cocktails in a cozy space that Zhang tells me was designed to feel like “a cool, stylish auntie’s home.” Dishes are meant to remind you of home as well. At the stove: Chef Mann Bijlani  whose resume boasts posts in the 6ix - Vela and Bar Buca - and abroad: Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and Thailand, and running an underground tasting menu destination in Mumbai. The small team is rounded out by GM/Beverage Director Matt Allinson, previously found behind the bar at Toronto hotspots including Mother, Marbl and Mamakas Taverna. Fun facts: 1. Allinson started in the industry in the kitchen. 2. The trio met during the pandemic. 3. Their age range? 26 and younger.

Goûter Patisserie lovers, you’re in for a treat: An Etobicoke location is in the works. Can’t wait to get in all that goodness? Rodney and Bianca are holding a pop-up at their new space (34 Six Point Rd.) every Saturday from 8am-noon, starting this weekend.

Karahi Point ‘s grand opening in Thorncliffe Park (60 Overlea Blvd.) is happening tomorrow from noon to 11pm. Enjoy 15 per cent off food and beverages. (Friday only.) The authentic Pakistani restaurant’s new digs take over the expansive space that was Swiss Chalet.

Artisanal Italian gelato has landed at the corner of Queen and John via Mizzica Gelateria & Café (307 Queen St. W.). Did you know? The space was home to Second Cup for what seems like forever, and in later years, joined by Pinkberry.

Mr. Sun, a “celebrity tea brand” in Taiwan founded in 1999, claims to be the first to introduce drinks including Heineken Green Tea and Cheese Milk Foam Oolong Tea and their homemade tapioca includes natural collagen and jelly powder and “contains 30 per cent less fat than the traditional tapioca.” Get your hands on this BBT in Oakville at Trafalgar and Dundas (380 Dundas St. E., Unit D6).

Napoleon pastries are the specialty at North York’s Soul Made Patisserie & Café at Yonge and Sheppard (4750 Yonge St., Unit 134).

Grand opening festivities for Taiwan's “famous brown sugar boba” chain Tiger Sugar’s new flagship on Yonge south of Carlton (439A Yonge St.) taking place this Saturday and Sunday. (BOGO free offer from 12pm-10pm. Conditions apply.). Their original location nearby (348A Yonge St.) debuted Summer ‘19 and closed January 27 of this year due to “city redevelopment.”

“Canada's first ever artisanal toast bar” has arrived at Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St.). We Love Toast Inc’s lineup includes sweet, savoury and classic selections. The concept is from two-time Canadian Olympian, Segun Makinde.

CLOSED

Escape Goat (1510 Queen St. W.) in Parkdale has come to an end. The neighbourhood watering hole celebrated four years on April 1.

Kim Ng is shutting down her mochi muffin and Basque cheesecake pop-up bakery The Good Goods, currently housed at Asian food hall Superfresh (384 Bloor St. W.) in the Annex. Her candid newsletters have documented the hardships of running a small business, from receiving bad reviews to her “mixed feelings” about being a part of the food hall. You’ve got until December 18 to visit.

Ramen is still available in the space that was Kenzo Ramen (138 Dundas St. W.). Details above. 

Gourmet food store Mason’s Fine Foods (692 Mt Pleasant Rd.) shuttered during the pandemic, the last closure of Peer To Peer Hospitality Group’s award-winning establishments Atlas, Cava, Chabrol, and Tanto.

Mizzzica Gelateria & Café’s artisanal Italian gelato may not be available at Queen and McCaul ((29 McCaul St.) anymore, but thankfully it’s not far away. Details above.

Today Hillcrest Village BIA announced the closure of Stockyards Smokehouse (699 St Clair Ave. W.) The popular smash burger, fried chicken and barbecue destination carried on after the tragic death of  founder/owner Thomas Davis last summer. Doors close Sunday.

“This isn’t goodbye forever, just goodbye for now,” has been a common refrain in the T.O. hospitality scene lately. The latest example: Urban Herbivore (64 Oxford St.). The plant-based eatery landed in Kensington Market 17 years ago and was instrumental in pioneering many trends and practices including biodegradable packaging for takeout.

CHANGES

Montreal bagel lovers, you’re in luck: Bagel Time in Greektown moved just one door over from 582 to 584 Danforth Ave. 

NEWS 

Yet another reason to support local, independent businesses.

The latest addition to local food recalls: Tim Hortons Soup Base Chicken Noodle recalled due to presence of insects.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in October alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 3-9, 2022

Photo courtesy of The Chase.

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 13.5 min read 

My findings this week – 21 arrivals, 13 closures - are simply the latest in the frenzy of openings and terminations of late. And I’m already hard at work on next week’s edition… Brace yourself.

Pro tip: Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

bb.q Chicken came on the scene during the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing down. Find the latest bb.q Chicken & Pub smackdab in Greektown (497 Danforth Ave.).

From babies to burritos. Spoiled Baby was a fixture at Yonge and Davisville for eons. As of this week, that same addy is your spot for burritos and quesadillas via Burrito Boyz (2A Davisville Ave.). 

Pfft. Rainbow bagels are so 2016. Get in on Taiwanese rainbow chicken at Scarborough’s Chickaron Chicken Cutlets (3250 Midland Ave., Unit G121). ‘Nuff said.

The Food Dudes have been in the game for fifteen years and that time have created some of the city’s top destinations. Their latest venture Chop Hop may be more casual in setting - Commerce Court (199 Bay St.) in the Financial District - however the lineup of salads, soups, and energy balls are in keeping with the Toronto brand’s high standards. Stay tuned: A branch is set to drop in Lawrence Park early next year.

Eagle-eyed readers of last week’s edition will have noticed the Easter Egg I dropped alongside the announcement of  the closures of Cops east end pop-up (aka Matilda x East Room Cop-Up) on Sunday. The Insider tip? A new location debuts just down the street (89 Lewis St.) complete with free 6 packs of donuts Friday November 4 from 5pm until sold out. Doors officially open Saturday, p.s. Insta followers got a sneak peek earlier this week.

Cloud Nine Kitchen, the newest addition to ghost kitchen food hall Etobicoke Eats (20 Lockport Ave.), is serving up traditional Italian fare – housemade gnocchi, lasagna, and pizza – for takeout and delivery.

Holy Smoke in Thornhill (8123 Yonge St.), claims to be “legit” “100% authentic Texas style barbecue.”

Secret destinations, whether they’re public or private, are still what the crowd wants. So whether you’re in the mood for live music or bustin’ out your favourite karaoke song, The Jean Darlene Piano Room isn’t out in the open for just anyone to stumble across. You’ve gotta know someone who knows. Psst. Lane behind 1203 Dundas St .W., last door on the left.

I reported on Jjin Toast’s downtown location last fall. Psst. A North York outpost for their Korean street toast creations including Ham Cheese, Wasa Mayo Crab, Snow Kimchi (kimchi, mozzarella cheese, corn, egg, JJin sauce) and Bokko (cabbage, carrot, scallion, onion, egg, ketchup, mustard, sugar) just touched down at Yonge and Finch (7 Byng Ave.). 

J.San Sushi & Market (3365 Steeles Ave. Wm Unit B01) - sibling to J.San Sushi Bar that debuted downtown in 2020 - is in soft opening. Shop Japanese products and customizable chirashi bowls  at Victoria Park and Steeles.

Grand opening celebrations for Midori Ramen’s Scarborough digs at Midland and McNicoll (3700 Midland Ave., Unit 112) take place Saturday. The first 30 people get a free bowl of ramen. For the remainder, BOGO free ramen and prizes to be won. This marks chefs Masaru Ogasawara and Natsuhiko Sugimoto second location in the GTA, with more to follow.

King and Portland is home to a variety of cuisines including Egyptian, Jamaican, and Dutch-Indonesian. PSA: Tibetan and Chinese fare has landed in the ‘hood via Momo Loco Dumplings & Wok (617 King St. W.). On the menu: namesake dumplings available steamed, fried or stir-fried with your choice of flavouring (Schezuan, Manchurian, Red Coco, Buttery). Also on offer: stir-fries, bao, poutine, snacks and desserts.

York University students and employees, your week is looking up: Palgong Tea arrives on campus Tuesday.

The Tibetan fare at Pemako Kitchen (2416 Lakeshore Blvd. W.) in Etobicoke is affordable enough to make it a weekly affair, from Tingmo - steamed bun ($3/2 pcs) to Beef Shapta ($12), served with rice.

Korean pizza and chicken chain Pizza Maru made its Canadian debut last summer and has been a runaway hit. Want to get your hands on their green tea “well-being “crusted ‘za topped with ingredients including sweet potato and “holy” honey? A second spot just opened  in North York. (6048 Yonge St.).

I let you know The Portuguese Chicken Guys were on the move last week. Get your hands on their flame grilled chicken seasoned with 23 herbs and spices at their new Etobicoke digs (16 Newbridge Rd.), opening Monday.

TR Newsletter subscribers already know. Celeb chef and restaurateur Matty Matheson's latest restaurant, Rizzo's House of Parm (2 Ridgeway Rd.) officially premiered Wednesday. While the Italian joint is well outside the city limits - Crystal Beach, Fort Erie – the comforting fare, welcoming vibes, and won’t-break-the-bank prices ($7-$35) make it road trip worthy.

The Spicy Venue (1163 Ellesmere Rd.) in Scarborough offers “a contemporary interpretation of rustic Indian flavours from the culinary traditions that are passed from generations.” Head’s up: The first 88 orders at the grand opening on Saturday will receive a free Chicken Tikka Masala or Paneer Do Pyaza with the purchase of Butter Naan ($3.99). Conditions apply.

Psst. Liberty Village has a new hidden bakery created with celebrations in mind. Find T. O. Bakes inside T.O. Balloons (51 Jefferson Ave.) with cakes, candles, Prosecco, and gold confetti cannons to make any occasion go off with a bang.

Shop the mall with a tea in hand thanks to the arrival of Urban Cova at Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr.),

CLOSED

Brasa Peruvian Kitchen’s Junction location (297 Campbell Ave.) has become a commissary kitchen, thus no longer accepts customer orders. Luckily, two locations are ready to serve you: First Canadian Place and Bloor West. 

Mexican brunch spot Campechano Café arrived at Dundas and Bathurst (374 Bathurst St.) this summer but the location wasn’t meant to be. All is not lost: Mexican brunch items are available at their outpost in Little Italy (460 College St.).

Danforth and Westlake (2408 Danforth Ave.) would still be up and running but like many places right now, staffing’s is an issue. It’s currently available for pop-ups.

Reminder: Early Bird’s last day at Queen and Bathurst (613 Queen St. W).)  is Sunday.

Harbourside Artisan Kitchen & Bar  (2400 Lakeshore Rd. W.) in Oakville has closed while Chef Frank and Wilma Ward “take a well-deserved break.”

The space that was forever Old Bleu Café (73 Queen St. E.) was briefly Mr Eater before being replaced by Ali Baba's Middle Eastern Cuisine.

Pandoughra’s Box pop-up at Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St.) lasted a solid two years. You can still pick up  stuffed cookies, ready-to-eat cookie dough and ice cream from their commercial kitchen in Etobicoke and order online for delivery, while  Soumini Agate and sister Rujuta search for a permanent home.

Authentic Spanish tapas destination Patria (478 King St. W.) has been a part of the Fashion District for a decade. Due to “unforeseen circumstances,” it’s closed for “the near future,” however opening plans are in the works.

College St. stalwart Prairie Boy Bakery (970 College St.) kicked off on Geary (201 Geary Ave.) last summer, followed by a sleek, modern shop at Yonge and St. Clair (1 St Clair Ave. E.) a month later. Earlier today, a ‘Fire Sale’ post went up on Instagram, but the one on Facebook while still cryptic, included: “Too complicated to explain. Too sad to talk.” Head to Geary tomorrow 12-7pm and Saturday 12-5pm to shop the store’s discounted items – cash or debit preferred. All proceeds are going to staff and tipping is encouraged.

Viking Fish & Chips started in 1952. The space (2416 Lakeshore Blvd. W.) i is now home to an entirely different concept. Details above.

Wish Restaurant (3 Charles St. E.) announced permanent closure earlier this week. The popular brunch, lunch and dinner spot shuttered after 22 years in Midtown just south of Yonge and Bloor.

CHANGES

Creamery X is moving. Find Bonnie & Melissa in a larger space just a few doors away at the corner of Queen and Jarvis (114 Queen St. E.), outfitted with an expanded menu. Soft opening is Wednesday.

End of an era.  Not that long ago Chase Hospitality Group's portfolio boasted some of the city's reigning destinations including award-winners The Chase, Kasa Moto, and Colette Grand Café. Founder and CEO Steven Salm launched plant-based eatery Planta with Co-founder and Executive Chef David Lee in 2016. The brand grew to include an outpost on Queen West, in addition to offshoots Planta Burger and Planta Cocina (2020). The pair have been focusing on the expansion of the successful chain in the U.S since 2018, which now includes New York, Chicago and Florida, with five more in the works. UPDATE: CHG's last non-plant based resto, award-winning rooftop destination The Chase, has been sold to LFG Growth Partners. [President & CEO Richard Jaffray is co-founder (and until recently was president) of Canadian chain Cactus Club Cafe.] That's not all: CHG's finer dining Japanese destination in Yorkville Kasa Moto was recently sold to Harlo Entertainment, who debuted Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto this past spring, and includes movers and shakers Planta, Ace Hill and local restaurant group The Food Dudes on their roster. With CHG all wrapped up, Planta’s launched its own hospitality collective, PLANTA Group, to “focus exclusively on elevated plant-based dining experiences.” Did you know? CHG also spawned seafood-centric concepts The Chase Fish and Oyster Bar and Little Fin, and in 2017 opened salad-heavy Palm Lane, all now shuttered. p.s. TR Newsletter subscribers got the scoop.

NEWS

Renowned restaurant critic Gael Greene died of cancer at age 88. 

Adding to the latest food recalls, Thermomix TM6 Measuring Cup Instructions has been recalled due to potential burn hazard. [UPDATE: 05.11.22 Cappola brand Genoa Salami recalled due to undeclared milk and wheat.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in October alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal

Want to promote your non-holiday products and services? Limited space available. Get started now.

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News October 27-November 2, 2022

Photo courtesy of COPS.

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 12.5 min read

I told you things were ramping up: 21 arrivals and 10 closures this week is just the tip of the iceberg. My findings for the next drop are already piled high, so if you haven’t dug into last week’s edition or earlier tomes yet, get on it because the rush to open before the new year is in full effect.

And stay tuned, more news ahead in The Tip Off, exclusively available in the TR Newsletter. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

TR readers got the scoop on the The Auld Spot Pub (347 Danforth Ave.) earlier this summer. Update: Head in and check out the freshly reno’d digs by Jaspal Singh, owner of Sher-E-Punjab next door (351 Danforth Ave.) with grub by chef Omkar Sant, fresh from Richmond Station.

The second Toronto outpost of Montreal-based Au Pain Doré (81 Front St. E.) has replaced Starbucks, steps away from the St. Lawrence Market. What’s on offer at the bakery café chain? Croissants, quiche,  tarts and sandwiches, for starters.

Psst. Markham has a new Japanese bistro and tapas bar. Azabu (5 Glen Cameron Rd., Unit 23A) softly opened last night. 

The pandemic has proven insanely busy for Café Landwer. The progression continues with the sixth Toronto/GTA branch of the café restaurant chain that began in Berlin in 1919 debuted inside Yorkdale Mall (3401 Dufferin St.) yesterday.

From cutting chai to railway cutlets, Oakville’s ChaiPani – The Indian Streetery (2501 Third Line, Unit D10) celebrates Indian street food. Grand opening festivities took place September 2.

Chicago-style beef is having a moment. (See: Italian Beef destinations Marq's Chicago Beef of May '21 and recent addition Frank Ranalli’s Italian Beef.) Chicago’s (111 Lakeshore Rd. W.) in Mississauga puts the spotlight on the Windy City’s famed sandos and hot dogs, accompanied by fresh cut fries, milkshakes and ice cream.

Chito’s Pizza Dufferin outpost (3616 Dufferin St.) temporarily closed due to fire in May. PSA: The fam’s back in business, with a lineup of pizza, shawarma, lahmacun, and their famed shawarma pizza.

Seafood wholesaler Coast to Coast Seafood (1220 Davenport Rd.) at the corner Of Oakwood And Davenport provides both industry and the public with a selection of fresh, frozen and live seafood from fish to lobster, oysters to caviar.

Italian café and coffee roaster Ditta Artigianale (612 Richmond St. W.) officially opened its first Toronto café today, following a soft launch last Monday.  This marks not just the first location in the 6ix but internationally for the Florence-based, third-wave specialty coffee roaster.

East enders have a new stop for BBT: Great Fruit Bubble Tea (2596 Danforth Ave.) at Danforth and Main.

North York’s Loocha% (5 Northtown Way, Unit 14) isn’t your typical café. From Salted Egg Yolk Milk Tea to Pistachio Basque Cake, offerings come with a twist. Take their “Dirty Coffee” for instance, consisting of three layers:  “The top layer is Espresso, the middle layer is evaporated milk, and the third layer is ‘Eosbock’ which we extract. Many babies don't know what Eosbock is. “[Editors note: Known commonly as eisbock] “Eosbock is actually a frozen purification process, through the milk freezing process can purify the essence of milk. This process preserves the most valuable parts of the milk, doubles the nutritional content, and makes Eosbock richer in flavor and smoother in texture.”

Smash burgers are the name of the game at Toronto’s Matt’s Burger Lab. Attn Etobicoke: You can get your hands on chef Matt Yilmaz’s items including the Veggie Burger ($11), Fried Egg Smash ($11), Bacon Chicken Tenders Smash ($16), and Churros ($8), without driving downtown (290 The West Mall).

One Pound (1960 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.) in Midtown is all about sponge cakes made with Swiss meringue buttercream: Blueberry Cream Cheese, Earl Grey, Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut, and Strawberry Shortcake, to be exact.

Petti Fine Foods (3077 Dundas St. W.) in the Junction helps solve mealtime dilemmas with an array of fresh and frozen pasta, frozen meat, sides (frozen yuca fries), desserts (chocolate hazelnut cookies, gluten-free apple pie), and pantry items.

Pokito’s been serving up poke bowls since 2016. The latest spot for their Hawaiian fare: Chef’s Hall (111 Richmond St. W.).

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to hear about Ramen Buta-Nibo (547 Danforth Ave.), the first Jiro-style (aka gatsuri-style) ramen restaurant in Toronto, opening soon in Greektown, "supervised" by nearby Ryus Noodle Bar (786 Broadview Ave.). This just in: Doors softly opened today.  

Yvonne Robertson has added a new member to her Uptown premium tea and wellness shop. Robyn Coffey moved her dessert destination Robyn’s Cookies from 3215 Yonge St. in with Sahara & Co (953 Mount Pleasant Rd.). Shop tea, cookies, candles, bath salts and more all under one roof.

After a few delays, unusually named Shawarma Moose (898 College St.) debuted yesterday in the space formerly home to The Portuguese Chicken Guys, who are relocating.

Ugly Delicious (199 Baldwin St.), not to be confused with chef David Chang’s Netflix series, specializes in smash burgers made with a signature blend of Wagyu and premium AAA beef. The focused menu offers a few variations on the classics including The Ugly Delicious ($60) boasting seven patties, American cheese, and all the fixins. Doors open this weekend. 

Wings Up came on the scene this summer and shows no signs of slowing down: The High Park branch - and 26th location - launched yesterday (1733 Bloor St.. W.). Bonus: Enjoy the opening special: 15 per cent off all online and walk-in orders when you use code HIGHPARK15 until November 13. Conditions apply.

Young Tea (990 St Clair Ave. W.) combines boba and other beverages (Honey Lemon Kumquat Tea, Taro Slush, Avocado Smoothie, Viet Coffee) with Vietnamese fare by way of banh mi, grilled meat and vermicelli, and variety of fresh and crispy rolls

CLOSED

“Toronto's most authentic hummus restaurant,” Abu Hummus launched in Kensington Market (199 Baldwin St.) July 2020. A year later, a Thornhill outpost debuted. Both have shuttered.

Boutique Bar (506 Church St.) is on the move. You’ve got until Monday to soak up memories in the Village.

COPS east end pop-up (aka Matilda x East Room Cop-Up) comes to an end on Sunday. Insider tip: Don’t panic. A new location is launching nearby (89 Lewis St.) next week. Get a preview November 4, complete with a free 6 pack of doughnuts, 5pm until sold out.

D Lish Cupcakes (833 Queen St. W.) has been a fixture in the 6ix for over a decade. Monday is the final day to say goodbye.

lOOCHA%’s Markham outpost (3623 Hwy 7,Unit 108) may have closed but “dirty coffees” are close by. Details above.

Juliana Social (387 Broadview Ave.) opened at the edge of East Chinatown in July 2019. Currently, windows are papered over and a note is posted to the door: “To our lovely community, The Time to move on is sadly upon us and we will be closing the café. Our last day open will be Oct 12th. We want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your encouragement through the opening of the café and the pandemic which followed shortly after. You kept our spirits high. It was a wonderful experience getting to know the neighbourhood, and we truly appreciate you! Look forward to something exciting here at 287 Broadview in the new year… Lots of love, Juliana’s.”

I gave you the head’s up weeks ago: Saturday’s the last day to visit Ombretta Cucina + Vino (121 Lakeshore Rd. W.) in Mississauga.

Original Grill (547 Danforth Ave.) in Greektown stuck it out for a while. To discover what’s in its place, see above.

The closure of Thor Espresso’s King West spot (35 Bathurst St.) on Halloween “isn’t goodbye,” and their outpost with Odin Coffee Roasters at Queen and John (180 John St.) remains open. 

EVENTS 

From fall fairs to Halloween haunts, the TR October Fests + Events Calendar is your one-stop-shop for food and drink fetes in Toronto and across the GTA. Get the complete lineup now. Pro tip: Be sure to check back often as new events are added weekly.

NEWS

No injuries were reported after a fire at Gusto 101 (101 Portland St.) on Friday. Doors reopened Saturday.

The Competition Bureau, an independent law enforcement agency that “protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses” announced a study into grocery prices. One expert however, has reservations.

Experiencing “huge drops in traffic and shoppers” (“as high as 70 per cent”) due to a host of city repairs and extensive construction and other projects, Cabbagetown businesses have had enough.  

York Region is reminding residents and businesses of a food recall warning “after recently receiving a report of a York Region resident being hospitalized due to a suspected aconite exposure.” 

In other food recall news, UNREAL brand dark chocolate coconut minis have been recalled due to Salmonella. And household cleaners Pine-Sol Scented Multi-Surface Cleaners have been recalled due to risk of exposure to bacteria.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in September alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook.

Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal