Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 22

At The Pass with Junelle Casalan

At The Pass is a weekly series showcasing Toronto’s best chefs. You won’t find any celebrity chefs 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 Junelle Casalan .

🕘 6.5 min read

Currently

Pastry Chef/Co-Owner, Castle & Coal

Formerly

England: Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa in Helmsley North Yorkshire, Marcus at The Berkeley in London. New York: Eleven Madison Park. Toronto: Scaramouche.

Favourite dish to make right now

Short ribs with mash.

Last cookbook purchase

The Pie Room: 80 achievable and show-stopping pies and sides for pie lovers everywhere by Calum Franklin

Have you read it/tried any recipes

Yes, I’ve been wanting to try his savoury pies, specifically the Beef, Stilton & Onion Pie, since I love cooking at home. Maybe a few vegetarian savouries for the shop such as the Tomato, Goat’s Cheese & Onion Lattice for this summer.

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

Capers and olives.

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

Ramps. I got into foraging last spring and there were so many ramps around my neighbourhood park. I picked two to three stems since I didn’t want to disturb the area, and made a simple omelette with that, a little bit of parm and butter, and it was amazing.

Elderflower. Tasted my first elderflower dessert in London, and I try to put it on everything during the summer months, though I mostly pair it with strawberries.

Strawberry & Elderflower Shortcake. Angel food cake, elderflower pastry cream, macerated and dried strawberries.

Biggest influences

Ghaya Oliveira – The story of how she became DANIEL’s Executive Pastry Chef and her pastries are truly inspiring and astonishing.

Clare Smyth - Her presence and drive in the kitchen is why I think women in this industry are pushing boundaries. She’s an example in our time that women are just as capable as men when it comes to striving and succeeding in their careers.

If you could eat at any restaurant in the world

Restaurant Story, London England. I came across the restaurant when I was living in London when they only had one Michelin star, and I fell very much in love with their food and the fairytale-esque menu they were serving.

I still dream about one of their courses called “Bread & Dripping” and it’s not what I would’ve imagined: A candle that was made out of beef dripping was brought to the table and lit by the waiter. As the dripping melted, I was told to dip their housemade bread into it. They also served pickled celery on the side that complimented the beef dripping well.

Last thing you ate

Kensington Sourdough from Blackbird Baking Co. with confit cherry tomatoes, garlic and burrata.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

Milk, eggs, and a cold Riesling.

London’s Tiramisu. Valrhona dark chocolate espresso mousse, mascarpone Marsala mousse, Genoise soaked in Hatch’s Blackout espresso.

Guilty pleasure

Crème brûlée.

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

Bar Isabel, Sukhothai, Famiglia Baldassarre

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

Bar Raval, Civil Liberties, Cocktail Bar

Go-to drink

Amaretto Sour, Pimm’s Cup.

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

I sometimes don’t try my desserts before putting them up to see how it tastes like as a whole. I mentally taste things and I taste individual components, but I somehow always forget to taste the end product until the end of the day when we’ve already sold the desserts.

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

Cleaning as you go and owning up to your mistakes.

Hidden talent

Snowboarding.

Best career advice you ever received

If they treat you bad, they’re not worth your time” – Head chef, Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa.

My head chef told me that advice before on my last day in his kitchen before starting my job in my first Michelin restaurant. “It’s rough out there, and your goal is to find a kitchen that treats you with respect as a person, because you don’t want to be miserable 16 hours a day, five days a week” Fortunately, the kitchens I worked at were very professional, but I always kept that at the back of my mind whenever I start a new job.

Worst career advice you ever received

“You can’t make mistakes.” By being afraid to make mistakes, you won’t learn to be creative and open-minded. A lot of great inventions in life were mistakes.

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business

Have humility, learn as much as you can, and always be humble.

Cannelé.

In order to support chefs during this time, the monthly At The Pass series is now WEEKLY. 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.  

 

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News April 7-13, 2022

Bunny Milk Pudding. Photo courtesy of Mabu Cafe.

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. #ifyouknowyouknow

🕘 11.5 min read

The through line to my 21 discoveries this week - the only constant is change. As you’ll see below, that goes for areas across the GTA, not just the city’s hotspots. Stay tuned – more news ahead in The Tip Off, available exclusively in the TR Newsletter. And to everyone celebrating, Ramadan Mubarak.

In the meantime, here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Beast (96 Tecumseth St.) by acclaimed chefs Scott Vivian and Nate Middleton has been closed and under renovation for some time now. I let you in on the Beast at Blood Brothers Brewing (165 Geary Ave.) drop at the beginning of the year.  And now, the boys are back in full effect, this time as Beast Pizza. After a soft opening weekend, doors officially opened Wednesday for dine in and takeout, but you’d already know that if you were a TR Newsletter subscriber. 

Etobicoke’s The Chaat-ter Box (127 Westmore Dr., Unit109) is “where great cooking and fantastic vibes meet.” It’s also where to get Indian street food: Indian style veggie hot dog, masala corn, assorted pani, masala, chaat and daal, for example. Bonus: Students enjoy 15 per cent off.

Word’s going to spread quickly on this one. Doors open tomorrow for Patria’s new sibling Chica (75 Portland St.). On the agenda for the li’l late night spot at King & Portland? “Elevated tapas, craft cocktails and wines.” 

Courage Foods has moved on up. Down the street in fact. Open since May 2010, Karen O'Brien’s speciality shop has offered a host of fresh baked goods, prepared meals, fresh produce and pantry items in what was a cozy space (946 Kingston Rd.). Find the new  more spacious digs a titch closer to Victoria Park (976 Kingston Rd.).

Curbside Dogs Diner (629 Pharmacy Ave.) certainly has franks and loaded links a plenty, but the extensive menu offers much more: Pork souvlaki, fish and chips, smash burgers, vegan tacos, sweet and sour fried chicken sando… Better order extra.

Breakfast, lunch and brunch chain Eggsmart boasts 45 locations across Canada. The latest branch just landed in Leaside at Laird and Eglinton  (20 Brentcliffe Rd.).

Did you know? Asian grocery store Fresh Place Supermarket (4040 Creditview Rd.) in Etobicoke’s Deer Run Shopping Centre took over the space that was No Frills. 

Chinese comfort fare has arrived at the corner of Yonge & Gerrard. Meet Jeneral’s (374A Yonge St.), home of “the original General Tso Chicken.”

Joy Food (666 Burnhamthorpe Rd.) in Etobicoke offers a bit of everything under one roof: breakfast, burgers, baked goods, pizza, and groceries, for starters.

Dawn Chapman’s Lazy Daisy’s Cafe (1515 Gerrard St.) at Coxwell and Gerrard has been closed for renovations for some time, undergoing a transformation courtesy of colour wheel personified, Tiffany Pratt. The home to all things brunch including Daisy’s Famous Buttermilk Biscuits reopened Tuesday.

From the folks behind Taiwanese fusion eateries MABU Generation, MABU Station and Hong Kong style café Good Luck Café comes Mabu Cafe (2361 Brimley Rd., Unit D2). Prefer your meals to have a major cute factor? Teddy Bear Lemon Tea and Bunny Milk Pudding (pictured above) do the trick. Soft opening celebrations were Monday.

Grand opening celebrations for dance nightclub NØMAD (725 Queen St. E) at Queen and Broadview take place Saturday with artists including Goldcap, Mihai Popoviciu 

Morningside and Lawrence is brimming with food options. Add halal Mediterranean joint Paradise Shawarma (4352 Kingston Rd.) to the mix. Interestingly, in addition to a spot in Woodbridge, one sits pretty close, at McCowan (3103 Kingston Rd.).

Established in Daejeon, South Korea in 1982, Pelicana Chicken has since expanded to over 2,000 restaurants across the globe. The inception of the KFC (Korean fried chicken) chain in Ontario took place just south of Bloor (730 Yonge St, Unit 9.) in December.

Planet Boba touched down at Hillcrest Mall’s food court last month (9350 Yonge St., Unit B015). Discover “futuristic” smoothie bowls,” cold brews, milk teas, slushes, and “other-worldly” desserts at the Richmond Hill arrival.

After introducing you to Brazilian sushi last week, get ready for the Mexican variety, courtesy of Sinola Factory. The restaurant “dedicated to elaborate authentic dishes from the city of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico,” including tacos, tortas and quesadillas, added an  to an outpost in Greektown (551 Danforth Ave.), where  8 Sushi and The Friendly Greek once stood.

Psst. Hidden inside West Queen West’s plant-based smoothie destination Bolt Fresh Bar (1170 Queen St. W.) is Snacc’s, a new sando shop by Jazmine de Borja and Sam Park. On the menu: ‘Karage Dawg’ aka karage chicken on a hot dog bun, ‘Which Came First’ featuring chicken adobo and egg salad, and ‘K Bang Mi’ with kalbi beef and kimchi mayo. ‘Toast Face Grilla’ delivers a heady umami bomb via truffle ricotta, old cheddar, parm chips, garlic miso butter, maple bacon and dried cranberries served on sourdough rye.

I was the first to let you in on Street Kitchen By Basil Box concept at the end of 2020. The soft opening for the stand alone comfort food with a Southeast Asian, Basil Box twist at Yonge Sheppard Centre (4841 Yonge St.) took place earlier this week. Bonus: Guests enjoy 20 per cent off dishes for “the next little while.” Walk-in only. 

Toronto PHO launches in Woodbridge (5100 Rutherford Rd.) tomorrow, marking the fourth outpost for the local Vietnamese chain.

You can’t miss Vv Kakes Bakery & Café (2879 Kingston Rd.) in Scarborough. Just look for the bright pink façade just east of Brimley.

New year, new you. Scarborough’s Yogi’s Fresh Lobster has transformed into a full-fledged restaurant. Introducing Yogi’s Lobster Bar & Grill (4810 Sheppard Ave. E., Unit 220).

CLOSED

Once buzzy Bar Buca (75 Portland St.) has become home to another destination altogether. See above for details.

TR Newsletter subscribers got the news first: After 43 years, Iconic French restaurant Jacques Bistro Du Parc (126A Cumberland St. 2nd Fl.) in Yorkville c’est fin. According to the owners: “Our lease has come to an end, and the new (non-financial) terms make it impossible for us to sign a new lease.  Our landlord has made it very clear that he no longer wants us to use his space.  We therefore cannot reopen our little “corner of France in Toronto.” Read the entire au revoir.

Construction has taken over the stretch of Bay in the Financial District (amongst others) including Locale Mercato (330 Bay St.).

The endless construction was a factor in Mad Radish’s permanent closure at Yonge and Eg (2293 Yonge St.). Branches remain open at Church and Bloor and First Canadian Place.

Nanashake (debuted in 2016, with a vegan ice cream alternative (aka “nice cream”) made with bananas, that has since taken the world by storm. The North York storefront (750 Yonge St., Unit 134) may have closed, but the frozen dessert lives on in their online store and retail stores across Canada.

Nightowl Riverside  at Queen and Broadview (725 Queen St. E.) has shuttered. The space formerly home to Jasper Dandy, Riverside Public House and Boots & Bourbon Saloon has become another entertainment venue. Details above. Two things: 1. Nightowl’s College outpost is open. 2. They serve charcuterie now, thanks to a recent partnership with “charcuterie stylist” Le Createur.

Soufi’s launched in 2017. The family-owned and run Syrian café shut down operations for good on Sunday.

EVENTS

Ukrainian Arts TO organizes art workshops and events in Toronto to raise funds for Ukraine. On Sunday, learn how to decorate Easter eggs in the traditional Ukrainian style Pysanky for Ukraine Fundraising Workshop at Favourites Thai (141 Ossington Ave.). Tickets are on a sliding scale, with all proceeds donated to Help Us Help and Second Front Ukraine Foundation.

NEWS

Festive chocolates including Kinder eggs have been recalled, just in time for Easter.

ICYMI

Canada’s first Filipino Restaurant Month just debuted. Discover where to dine and dig in at Toronto/GTA restaurants.

Looking for ways you can help Ukraine? Discover fabulous fundraisers by local chefs and restaurants in this guide, complete with new additions.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook 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 with others. Share the love: send a note or testimonial.

Spending thousands of dollars on ads +/or countless time and money trying to beat the algorithm? Try this instead: No gimmicks. No sales pitches. Just real ads that get results. And all without costing a fortune. Act now. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available.

Filipino Restaurant Month debuts across Canada

Photo: B’s Sizzlin Kitchen.

🕘 4.5 min read

A country-wide celebration of Filipino food and culture has arrived in Canada and Toronto restaurants are getting in on the festivities.

Canada’s inaugural Filipino Restaurant Month, a joint project of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Philippine Consulates General (PCG) in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, and the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT),  explores the enticing flavours of the Philippines' 7,641 islands at select establishments across seven provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Over 30 restaurants from coast to coast are showcasing traditional, contemporary and fusion fare on prix fixe menus from April 1-30, 2022. Diners will also have the enter to win both local and national prizes, from dining vouchers for local restaurants to hotel accommodations and roundtrip airfare in the Philippines. 

Participating restaurants in Toronto/GTA:

TORONTO

B’s Sizzlin Kitchen
430 Horner Ave. | Etobicoke

Find Kamayan feasts, K-boxes,“the best authentic cebu lechon” and infusion of sizzling Asian and North American cosine at this restaurant in Central Etobicoke.

CASA Manila
879 York Mills Rd., Unit 1 | North York

The established eatery in North York provides fresh, healthy & delicious Filipino cuisine - no MSG added, no preservatives, lower salt and oil, fresh meat, seafood and vegetables) in an authentically “Pinoy” ambience showcasing Filipino culture.

Photo: FV Foods.

FV Foods
2085 Lawrence Ave. E. | Scarborough

The mission of FV Foods’ at Warden and Lawrence  is to bring the joy of eating superior quality sweets, bread, pastries, hot food dishes and to provide a delightful experience in all services.

iSLAS Filipino BBQ & Bar
1690 Queen St. W. | Toronto

Named for the islands (iSLAS), the Parkdale restaurant and bar is an introduction to Filipino food and culture, in keeping with traditional styles and authentic flavours with every dish.

Kanto by Tita Flips
707 Dundas St. W. | Toronto
2986 Dundas St. W. | Toronto

Home of the first Filipino street food in Toronto and  the Original Kamayan Kit, Kanto by Tita Flips, serves made-to-order Filipino street food in two locations – a retrofitted shipping container in the Market 707 marketplace and a dine-in location in The Junction.

Lechon Republik
1 Romar Cres., Unit 2 | Toronto

The eatery near Dufferin and Eglinton boasta an Asian menu inspired by the most famous national dish of the Philippines. "Lechon" - roasted pork.

Photo: Wilson’s Hause of Lechon.

MB The Place to Be
3434 Bathurst St. | North York

Part resto bar, part comedy lounge, this North York venue began as Toronto's first Filipino Comedy bar and lounge in 2015, evolving into a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue in 2019. Choose from a variety of dishes from the Lutong Bahay menu or Pulutan Express. 

Republika RestoBar and Grill
288A Wilson Ave. | North York 

The family-run establishment serves traditional and modern Filipino dishes - think: Bangus Sisig, Binusog na Pusit, Seafood Boat – alongside live entertainment in North York.

Wilson’s Haus of Lechon

365 Wilson Ave. | North York
8 Glen Watford Dr. | Scarborough

The family-owned restaurant nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Little Manila specializes in lechon, BBQ, grilled dishes and more.

For all participating restaurants, visit Filipino Restaurant Month on Facebook .

Get caught up on the latest Toronto restaurant news and COVID updates.

Stay informed and up-to-date: For breaking news, developments and more follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter.   

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News March 31-April 6, 2022

Photo courtesy of Zen Kyoto.

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. #ifyouknowyouknow

🕘 11 min read

With the flurry of arrivals and closures, peppered with breaking industry news, there’s a lot happening. For me, that means working around the clock. For you, that translates to a lot of reading. 

A lot more if you go back a week. And you should, a lot happened. Pro tip: If you haven't read the edition previous to that, get on it because it's CAPTIVATING. Where else would you find restaurant news covering a massage parlour, historic church, and murder, of all things? In one issue, no less. 

Wait 'til you see this week's discoveries with 22 openings. And stay tuned – more news ahead in The Tip Off, available exclusively in the TR Newsletter. 

In the meantime, here’s the very latest:

OPEN

I let you in on the arrival of Kome Yogurt earlier this year. Their “secret” speakeasy located in back (10 Stephanie St.) debuted Saturday. The password to After Seven is…

Atlantico Sushi (1154 St Clair Ave. W.) landed at the corner of St. Clair and Dufferin in October. Formerly a bank, it’s now home to Japanese Brazilian fare including AYCE Brazilian-style sushi, cod croquettes, ceviche, traditional coxinha, and petit gateau. 

Toronto institution Banjara Indian Cuisine has touched down in Scarborough. The Midland and Danforth location (777 Danforth Rd.) marks the third outpost for the longtime eatery.

Online bakery Butter and Spice has a new virtual location at Death in Venice Gelato (1418 Dundas St. W.) for pre-order pickup and delivery and a pop-up in Mississauga (The District Kitchen at Square One: 100 City Centre Dr.) until Sunday. To discover more about owner/head pastry chef Marchelle McKenzie, get the At The Pass.

Café Landwer has been around the globe - first in Berlin in 1919, followed by Tel Aviv in 1933, then U.S. in 2018. The eatery known for everything from shakshuka to Legendary Crumbed Cheesecake touched down in Toronto in 2020 and has been expanding ever since. Find the fifth outpost at Yonge and Bloor (33 Bloor St. E.). 

Pete’s Corner Grill was a Parkdale mainstay before having to close last fall. Discover the new incarnation in Etobicoke, not far from the water’s edge. Doors opened Monday for Canadian Grill By The Lake (2454 Lake Shore Blvd. W.).

1 Hotel (550 Wellington St. W.) made a splash in the 6ix last summer, first with 1 Kitchen Toronto with Chef Derek Powers Jr. at the helm. Missing those summer vibez? Introducing Casa Madera. The hotspot by Noble 33, known for their high-energy fine dining spots in L.A., West Hollywood, Las Vegas, Miami, New York and London, makes its Canadian debut with executive chef Olivier Le Calvez (El Catrin). Doors open Tuesday.

GoodGood debuted in December, followed by an outpost last month. The latest café/wine bar kicks off today at St. Clair and Dufferin (1187 St. Clair Ave. W.) with free local goodies.

Gucci’s Garden & Snak Connect (2581 Eglinton Ave. W.) is your hookup for all things sweet, salty, sour and snacky at Keele and Eglinton.

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to get full deets for HotBlack Coffee’s new outpost at Yonge & Bloor a few weeks back. For those just catching up: Doors for the fourth award-winning café and open tomorrow (15 Charles St. E.). Fun fact: Guests from The Anndore House hotel next door can access the coffee shop directly via a side entrance.

Authentic Tibetan restaurant Mr. Momo has landed at Mimico’s Seaway Plaza (2453 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) with an array of dumplings: Langsha (beef), Phaksha (pork), Jhasha (chicken), Shoko (potato), Tsel (vegetable), and Soya.  

The first Myungrang in Canada arrived across from U of T’s St. George campus last month (199 College St.). The largest hotdog brand in Korea and the originator of the cheesy Korean variety shares space in a food court style set up with Chatime, Katachi Coffee Bar and newly opened Hi Yogurt. 

The North Corner food truck’s motto: “Asian Inspired, Canadian Made.” Owner chef Ivan Rueda (Hy’s Steakhouse Toronto/Whistler, The Shore Club) created dishes with flavours inspired by Korea, Japan and the Philippines including Nacho Seoul and TNC Pancit Guisado.  

Love hip hop? Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese food? Head to tomorrow’s grand opening of North York Chinese izakaya ON/OFF (5463 Yonge St.). Bonus: Customers enjoy a free item and 20 per cent off tomorrow. 

Scarborough got its own Rollz Ice Cream & Desserts (41 Lebovic Ave., Unit A-114), just in time for summer.

The historic brownstones that were once The Office Pub (117 John St. ) are now “upscale casual modern British pub” Saint John’s Tavern, complete with French Onion Soup Dumplings.

I was the first to let you in on Dan Ewing and Brett Feeley's home-based pizzeria 
last summer. It's no surprise their new venture was such a success.
Psst. Slowhand Sourdough Pizza's soft open mode launched today 
in the space formerly home to Billy's Burgers (99 Pape Ave.) p.s. You’d know this already if you were a TR Newsletter subscriber. #iykyk

Universal Carribean Fusion makes its debut tomorrow at Toronto's longest running pop-up food truck stop, Food Truck'n Events. The menu features traditional Caribbean fare with Middle Eastern and Canadian influences. Come through for Corn Soup ($5), Doubles (1/$4.50, 2/$8), and Jerk Chicken Shawarma ($13.50). 

VMV's Bar & Grill opens at North York’s Pond Mills Centre (4207 Keele St., Unit 1-2) tomorrow with sports bar classic fare and plenty of spots to watch the game.

Zen Kyoto in First Canadian Place (100 King St. W., Concourse Level) is welcoming back office workers with an impressive lineup of  ramen ($14-$15), omakase boxes $37(10 pcs) $45 (13 pcs) aburi sushi ($14) alongside rolls, apps. Etc. Hot tip: Don’t sleep on the uni or Foie Gras Nigiri ($12).

CLOSED

Fugu Bento (199 College St.) has been replaced. See above.

Mexicados Tacos & Burritos Co. landed in Leslieville (1022 Queen St. E.) in Summer '18. Windows are papered over. The Village location (471 Church St.) that debuted Summer ‘21 has also shuttered.

Twelve years ago, Milagro landed at Queen and Euclid (783 Queen St. W.). Doors have already closed, but you can still visit the OG location  
Milagro Cantina in the Entertainment District (5 Mercer St.). TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to know, so get on it.

Spielhaus Board Game Café (1187 St. Clair Ave. W.) has shuttered, replaced by a different concept altogether.

The space where Tasty Hut was (5463 Yonge St.) has a completely new vibe. Details above.

The space that was Umeda Hotdog (199 College St.) is still offering links, but a different variety now.

NOT YET

Despite how it sounds and, a soft open is not always swiftly followed by a full launch. It can be just a few days of test runs and then closed by up for days, weeks, and even months before reopening, as it were. It’s confusing for sure (and extra work for me), so while Sea Hi Restaurant did some “soft-opening exercises” over the weekend, they’re not in fact open yet.

EVENTS

Canada’s inaugural Filipino Restaurant Month launches tomorrow.

Street Eats Market is back tomorrow with a new series of events.

Sunday’s the last day to get in on Cabbagetown’s MapleLicious.

NEWS 

A fire claimed much of Niagara’s historic Hernder Estate Winery Saturday night.

 Attn Industry: The deadline to register for CaféTO is Saturday.

Stackt Market is offering a Small Business Grant to an Asian-owned small business.

ICYMI

Looking for ways you can help Ukraine? Discover fabulous fundraisers by local chefs and restaurants now – updated.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook 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 with others. Share the love: send a note or testimonial.

Need staff? Help promoting your menu, bottle shop, patio, private event space, gift cards but you’re on a budget? We can help. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available.

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

Photo courtesy of Baddies Cafe.

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. #ifyouknowyouknow

 🕘 10 min read

Spring has arrived, mask mandates were lifted, and the dining scene has already vastly changed from last week. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

Insider tip: Want to be  the first to know? Get The Tip Off , available exclusively to TR Newsletter subscribers .

In the meantime, here’s the very latest:

OPEN 

They city’s newest hookah bar Armada Shisha Lounge  (100 Bond St.). claims to be the “Best shisha in downtown.” Find it tucked behind historic Imperial Pub (54 Dundas St. E.), established 1944.

ISO meal options downtown? Discover three venues under one roof in a new food hall near Yonge and King: Bangkok 360 and Sultan's Mediterranean Grill (44 Victoria St.) and Box Market Jamaican Food (25 Adelaide St. E., Unit 101).

Bar Orwell (1595 Dundas St. W.) in Brockton Village is part bar, community space and venue boasting an array of events from live music to karaoke.

Saturday’s grand opening of the “first Caribbean infused pizzeria,” Caribbean Slice (1764 Eglinton Ave. W.) in York, was a resounding success.

Psst. Haitian soul food has arrived in Leslieville. Currently operating as a ghost kitchen for takeout or delivery, Chez Lynda (1374 Queen St. E.) will be opening for full on dine-in later this year. Get in on Plat Fritay ($10), a mixed platter of snack-sized street fare: plantain, akra, marinade and griot, served with Tati Lynda's pikliz; Poule Friz Ak Makaroni ($22.50) featuring two pieces of 12-spice fried chicken and five cheese macaroni; and vegan Legim ($13.50) hearty, aromatic eggplant stew served over white rice.

Calling all pastry lovers and and java fiends: Daily Dose Coffee Bar (125 John St.) has landed In the Entertainment District. 

It was just last month I told you all about Daniel’s Chai Bar pop-up in Mississauga. Their Famous Lion Chais will be available at Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr. Entry 4 next to Legoland) until the summer.

Now that travel is back on the table for many, The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles Express at Pearson Airport (6301 Silver Dart Dr., past security in Terminal 1) will come in handy.

Don’s Caribbean Jerk debuted in North York (39 Abraham Welsh Rd., Unit 3) Saturday with an extensive menu covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Think: Peanut Porridge, Saltfish Fritters, Daily Lunch Specials, Brown Stew Chicken, Curry Goat, and Steam Snapper. 

Mealtime is easier thanks to frozen dim sum wholesaler Fu Kee Bao Dim. (in Scarborough (21 Milliken Blvd., Unit C5). Check out their latest outpost in Markham (11 Fairburn Dr., Unit 9).

Japanese croissanterie Hazukido came on the scene in 2020 and has been on fire ever since. Don’t miss the two day grand opening at CF Shops of Don Mills (14 Clock Tower Rd., Unit B003) this weekend, starting Saturday at 11am. Promotions include: First 30 customers receive a box of three free croissants (Golden Cheese, White Chocolate & Honeycomb), with the next 50 customers receiving  a BOGO croissant offer. *All promotions limited to one per customer.  

Il Gatto e la Volpe (5451 Hwy 7) in Vaughan does pizza and pasta sure, but there are plenty of other options, including steak, veal scaloppini, salmon, cod, chicken, lamb. 

JJ Fried Chicken (2539 Eglinton Ave. W.) has arrived at Keele and Eglinton with an array of fried chicken, wings, calamari and dumplings.

I introduced you to Kumain Kitchen last summer. Find the Filipino-inspired fare at The District Kitchen at Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) until Sunday. And read all about twin chefs Jason and Ryan Buising in At The Pass.

Halal burger joint Masala Burgers softly opened in East York (2889 St Clair Ave. E.) yesterday. All items are prepared fresh daily with 100 per cent hand slaughtered halal meat. 

Brunch reigns supreme in the 6ix, so it’s no surprise the arrival of Calgary import OEB Breakfast Co has already garnered buzz. The first Toronto outpost opens in Liberty Village  (135 East Liberty St.)  Monday.

Modern Mediterranean cuisine has arrived at Weston and Lawrence via Osmow’s (1979 Weston Rd., Unit 1). 

Executive chef Nuit Regular and husband Jeff, co-owners of Kiin, Sabai Sabai, Sukthothai, PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, By Chef Nuit, and in charge of the culinary program at Selva Toronto, expand their empire with a PAI location in partnership with Kitchen Hub Food Hall at Dufferin and Eglinton (1121 Castlefield Ave.).

Taps Public House kicks off at Meadowvale Town Centre (6570 Meadowvale Town Centre Cir.) with grand opening celebrations on Monday. The “premium casual dining” destination in Mississauga will be open for lunch, dinner, late night and weekend brunch. Think: pizza, pasta, burgers and steak.

For wok-dried tomato with leek brunch ‘biscones,’ Ben.To.Pan bread - inspired by shokupan, and brown butter cookies, head to new Taste Bender (409 College St.), The new venture, operated by ‘restaurant brands incubator’ Project Glyph (PG), shares space with Onkki B, newly launched sister brand of Onnki Donburi (see autumn 2017), and soon-to-open Turkish eatery LokumEats.

French taco eatery Brick'N'Cheese (678 College St.) arrived in Little Italy last summer. Fun fact: Their virtual lasagna bar concept Tito’s Kitchen was debuted last week. 

CLOSED

The Annex Food Hall (384 Bloor St. W.) was home to outposts of Bar Superfresh, El Nahual Tacos, Masala Guys, Mean Bao, and Ramona’s Kitchen, in addition to numerous pop-ups, before officially closing January 8. Coming soon: “Asian night market concept” Superfresh by Annex Food Hall owner James Lee, chef Trevor Lui, Jae Pak and Dave Choi. The new venture showcasing Asian-owned and led businesses debuts next month.

Baddies Cafe (679 Lansdowne Ave.) is shutting down for good as of Wednesday. Owner Alex White posted a message on Instagram announcing the closure last week. Pro tip: Drown your sorrows with COPS doughnuts operating out of the space evenings  “until further notice.”

After repeated delays, Calii Love (2131 Yonge St.) debuted a swanky new space  at Yonge and Eglington last fall, but it wasn’t meant to be.

After six years, husband-and-wife team chef Angel Videaux and wife Michelle are closing El Habanero & Churrobar (4915 Steeles Ave. E., Unit  8) in Scarborough, home to “the world's only Cuban restaurant and Churro Dessert Bar specializing in Churro Cakes” and “the world's first Churro Charcuterie, on March 31. New gigs are underway. Stay tuned.

Another pool hall bites the dust. For what replaced Four Aces Snack Bar (1595 Dundas St. W.), see above.

Oriental City Chinese Restaurant (2539 Eglinton Ave. W.) has turned into a fried chicken joint. Details above

EVENTS

Food Truck’N Friday is back.

The Granite Brewery is hosting a fundraiser for Bob, a long-time employee, on April 3.

ICYMI

The province lifted mask mandates earlier this week, but not everyone’s ready to ditch them just yet. 

Looking for ways you can help Ukraine? Discover fabulous fundraisers by local chefs and restaurants now.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook 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 with others. Share the love: send a note or testimonial.

Need staff? Help promoting your menu, indoor dining, bottle shop, patio, private event space, takeout and delivery, but you’re on a budget? We can help. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available.

Some Toronto restaurants, bars, shops and hotels continue public health measure as Ontario lifts mask mandates

🕘 11.5 min read

Effective today, Ontario mask mandates are lifted in most indoor settings including schools, community centres, retail and grocery stores, gyms, and restaurants.

Mask still required

However, don’t ditch your mask quite yet. While it’s no longer required to don a mask in these settings, some municipalities including Mississauga have issued their own by-laws keeping mask mandates in effect.

Despite the province’s rules, the public school board for the city of Hamilton, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, is keeping the mandate until April 1 . Toronto District School Board, the largest school board in Ontario, asked for extension, but was denied. High school students organized a walkout in protest of the mandates. 

Boarding a flight, train or cruise ship in Canada? Be prepared to mask up.  And masks are also still required in “high-risk and congregate settings” including public transit and long-term care homes.

Too soon?

Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table’s ‘Update on COVID-19 Projections’ published March 17, 2022, five days prior to end of the public health measure, includes: “Masks are still an effective public health measure to reduce COVID-19 transmission,” and “Ontarians should: Use high-quality masks whenever necessary to protect vulnerable people or themselves.”

According to a news release by Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), the provincial government’s decision to drop the mask mandate “puts politics ahead of science, risking gains made.” The release also quotes RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun: "It's premature and runs the risk of undoing the gains made to contain the spread of COVID-19," adding "in addition to vaccination, the mask mandates are the most important defenses against the virus.”

On Monday Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, said “my strong recommendation is to continue using a mask to protect themselves and people around them. Just because it’s no longer a rule doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing it.” And even Premier Doug Ford isn’t ready to scrap his mask just yet.

The decision to wear a mask in most indoor indoor settings is now up to businesses owners, staff, and individuals.

Ready to roll

As masks are no longer mandatory at this time, staff at establishments including Ossington bar Paris Paris and Yorkville stalwart Trattoria Nervosa will follow the same rules.  

That goes for Chef Daniel Boulud's award-winning French brasserie nestled in the Four Seasons Hotel Café Boulud as well, however a spokesperson told Toronto Restaurants, “If a guest requests for their server to wear one, they will comply with the request.”

You do you

Numerous establishments are leaving it optional for staff including east side watering hole Farside, upscale Hexagon Restaurant in Oakville, iconic Toronto diner Patrician Grill, Little Italy’s French casual fine dining destination Pompette and new sibling Bar Pompette, and recent arrival 1 Hotel. Brunch bakery Pasaj in Leslieville is letting staff decide, and it appears the front of house team has decided to keep masks on “for the time being.”

A message posted on Farside Toronto’s Instagram.

Still in effect

A number of establishments staff aren’t ready to unmask just yet.  The staff at Good Cheese in East Chinatown “will continue to wear them for the time being,” all team members at  Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village will continue to wear masks while working “for the foreseeable future, and the crew at one of the buzziest new arrivals, Mimi Chinese, will likely be wearing them for a few more weeks. 

The folks of newly opened Korean restaurant Orote and staff at one of the city’s newest hotels Park Hyatt Toronto are keeping them on, and employees at Scaramouche will continue to wear masks in the dining room.

Encouraged, not required 

At acclaimed Canadian restaurant Richmond Station, masks will be voluntary. Owner Ryan Donovan told Toronto Restaurants, “We aim to be a ‘mask positive’ space. If our guests and staff feel more comfortable wearing a mask at the restaurant, we encourage it as well. Moreover, our expectation is that everyone accepts the choice of our guests and peers should they choose to mask-up.”

Cabbagetown’s Fattoush Levantine Diner confirmed staff will “still be wearing masks until further notice” and “encourage our customers to wear them when they visit.”

All staff will continue to wear masks at Primrose Bagel Co. “as we continue to navigate the safest course of action for our team and our customers, while customers can make their own decision when entering the shop,” as per a message posted on social media. The message includes a graphic (below) with “Masks are still encouraged but not required by customers.”

A graphic posted on Primrose Bagel’s Instagram.

A time of transition

In compliance with the provincial and local masking guidelines, staff members are not required to wear a masks, however countless businesses are sharing messages of support for the choice customers make and many are asking for patience and understanding during this time of transition.

Pilot Coffee Roasters posted on social media: “If you're wearing a mask, that's fine! If you're not, that's fine too! Let's respect each others' personal choices and be kind to one another.” 

Peter Sanagan, owner of Sanagan’s Meat Locker shared on social media that staff will be required to continue to wear masks while working. “Given that we are working in close contact with each other for long periods, we believe it is good practice to protect each other at this time,” but “everyone will be welcome in the stores.” He ended the message with “Finally, I just wanted to say that we were all just getting used to capacity restrictions being lifted, and I know this new change came quickly and surprisingly to many in the retail and hospitality sector. I also know that this is another step towards learning how to live with Covid long-term. Whether the timing is right is certainly debatable, but it was going to happen at some point. And just as we've done throughout the last two years, Sanagan's will continue to adjust our expectations and behaviours with the times. I am very proud of how my team has managed with all of the changes during the pandemic, and wholeheartedly thank our customers for their understanding and patience as we constantly adapt.” 

While some businesses are choosing to forego masks and all other precautions, pastry chef/owner of Glory Hole Doughnuts, Ashley Jacot De Boinod, is keeping her shops as is - no one is allowed inside and customers are still required to wear a mask outside the for both ordering and pickup. Her message on social media reads, in part: “We are hoping that we can slowly return to some sort of normalcy in a bit but for now, we are just doing our best and trying to be as safe as possible. Please refrain from yelling or being abusive to our wonderful staff. Some of our team members are immune comprised and are at higher risk than some. We also have 2 pregnant womyn working as well. Let’s be kind and gentle to each other while we all navigate through this.”

Erring on the side of caution

In addition to the province no longer mandating mask use in most indoor public settings, today also marks the end to symptom screening, safety plans, and self-isolation for those exposed to COVID-19. (O. Reg. 364/20)

It hasn’t been long - just over three months - since the Ontario government announced new measures and restrictions, in response to the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The hospitality industry, along with other sectors, was hit with a 50 per cent capacity limit, as well as closing and alcohol sale time reductions  and other constraints. Indoor dining was banned again as of January 5, then brought back to half capacity once more along with the easing of other public health measures, on January 31. This follows a constant barrage of lockdowns, reopenings and new measures enforced for bars, restaurants and other food and drink businesses across the province. Understandably, many remain wary.

While the government has deemed in addition to other mandates, masks are no longer required in these settings, owners and staff must decide what’s best for them at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is “far from over.” In fact, proof of vaccination is still required in some settings (select restaurants also kept it in place), so it’s no surprise many remain trepidatious about how to proceed or that several businesses have chosen not to publicize their stance for fear of being targeted.

All remaining masking mandates and emergency orders are set to expire on April 27, 2022.

Stay tuned for developments and updates.

***

Note: Above policies, in effect at press time, are subject to change. Please contact establishments directly for more information.

For more information about COVID-19 and vaccinations, visit the Ontario Health website.

Get caught up on the latest Toronto restaurant news and COVID updates.

Stay informed and up-to-date. For breaking news, developments and more follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter.   

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

Photo courtesy of Halaleez Chicken & Gyro.

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. #ifyouknowyouknow

 🕘 11 min read 

What a week. Daylight Savings Time. Nowruz. Purim. Holi. March Break. Not one, but two St. Patrick’s Days (see below). The first day of spring. Today, March 17 2022, however is a date that will forever burned into my brain. Two years ago, after being urged to shut down by public health officials, restaurants were ordered to close dining rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What we all thought was a passing crisis that would last a mere few weeks, has completely upended our world and the industry.

Since then, I have been working overtime to report on the changes, launch initiatives to help keep businesses open, and tracking the flurry of comings and goings in my iconic OPEN/CLOSED every week. Despite things slowly getting ‘back to normal,’ as my findings below demonstrate, there’s still a dizzying amount of arrivals, closures, name changes, fundraisers, and flurry of news and events.

The industry is far from recovering from all of this, so please support local businesses whenever possible.

In the meantime, here’s the very latest:

OPEN

The newest member of the Playa Cabana fam launches today. Introducing Barrio Coreano (690 Euclid Ave.) near College and Bathurst. You might remember it from its old location on Bloor West.

Cabbagetown stalwart Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament St.) has found a new home – across the street (560 Parliament St.). You’d never know the bright, spacious dining room was formerly a Pizza Pizza. Doors opened yesterday. 

Halaleez Chicken & Gyro of Whitby has brought its signature cheesesteaks, wings, burgers, wings, falafels and just added to the menu, Hot Cheetos Platter, to Victoria Park and Eglinton (1733 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 5).

Hello Coffee (800 Bloor St. W.), nestled next to Christie Pits Park in Bloorcourt, just debuted. Don’t miss the grand opening this Saturday with $2 brews.

Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian restaurant Karma’s Kitchen in Gerrard India Bazaar (1411 Gerrard St. E.) has added an outpost in the St. Lawrence Market ‘hood (140 Esplanade, Unit 4).

Kisha’s Tropical Cuisine (106 Queen St. E.) has arrived in Moss Park with a bevy of Caribbean fare including King Fish ($13.99), Curry Goat Roti ($14.99), and Ackee & Saltfish ($18.49).

Grand opening celebrations for Mikaku Udon Bar (360 Highway 7 E, Unit 10) in Richmond Hill took place March 1. Fun fact: It’s by the folks behind Asian fusion sake bar Mikaku Izakaya (6180 Yonge St.) in North York.

Head to Mr. John’s Real Kerala Kitchen (1168 Kennedy Rd.) for South Indian fish curries, biryani, nadan pork ularthiyathu, snacks and more. Doors opened December 23. 

Pan-Fried Buns (189 Dundas St. W.) replaces Impression 1915 - which debuted right around this time last year. An assortment of  buns, dumplings, and congee are readily available alongside dishes including Shan Xi Cold Noodle, Pan-Fried Leek & Egg Pie, Shredded Seaweed Salad, and Tasty Sausage.

Reset Coffee Bar (222 Copper Creek Dr.) in Markham does coffee, tea, brunch and baked goods. Insider’s tip: Enjoy a complimentary freshly baked madeleine with every drink order. 

Scarborough Buffet (1221 Markham Rd.) shuttered last year, with plans to reopen at an address not far away. Things got off to a slow start, thanks to the pandemic but the all-you-can-eat (AYCE) restaurant finally has a new home and name. Introducing Mr. Wong Chinese Restaurant (91 Rylander Blvd., Unit 1016 AB). Doors opened last month.

Smash burgers are the name of the game at Simple Burger across the street from Christie Pits Park (735 Bloor St. W.). The burger joint debuted December 10. 

SnackTown: Exotic Sodas & Munchies out of Quebec has taken over Meow Cat Café’s former digs near Davisville (556 Mount Pleasant Rd.) and set up shop in Markham (7665 Kennedy Rd.) with everything from sweet to sour to salty to satiate the munchies.

Wavey Ceviches (3700 Eglinton Ave. W.) in Mississauga softly launched this weekend. In addition to the signature fish cured in lime, the menu offers a variety of dishes and desserts, including deep-fried seafood, beef stir-fry, empanadas, tequeños and alfajores.

Find the latest Zaza Espresso Bar in Brookfield Place (181 Bay St., Concourse Level). The Financial District location opened in the PATH in January and will come in handy once you’re back in the office.

CHANGES 

New year, new you. Namwan (713 Gerrard St. E.) in East Chinatown is now Lamoon Thai  Café.

Cabbagetown’s Qi Sushi (358 Gerrard Ave.) shuttered at the end of last summer, swiftly replaced with a business of the same name. The new moniker, Kimchi Express, better reflects the menu featuring Korean fare such as Soon-Tofu Stew ($10.99), Japache Bap ($12.99) and Doukboki ($12.99), though Japanese items remain.

CLOSED

Betty’s General, née City Betty (1352 Danforth Ave.), shuttered earlier this week.

Fanzone Wings & Ribs (1168 Kennedy Rd.) has been closed for some time. See who’s moved in above.

Naan Kabob (formerly Naan & Kabob) launched Cubby Smart Kitchen (106 Queen St. E.) in Moss Park last fall. “Canada's first Smart Kitchen” offered guests “five tantalizing menus” in “one extraordinary concept” with self-serve order kiosks and food cubbies, was seemingly made for times like these.   

Impression 1915 (189 Dundas St. W.) has come and gone, and already been replaced. See above.

LJS Khasos Restaurant + Bar (507 Parliament St.) opened in Cabbagetown last summer in what was home for Peartree Restaurant for decades. A Baliff’s Notice has been posted on the window.

Despite the catchy name, WingBurger has closed up shop in North York (1733 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 5).

The time for the Danforth branch of Zaza Espresso Bar (320 Danforth Ave.) has come to a close, but others remain open to serve you - including the new one above. Psst. Fresh Restaurants is taking over the spot in The Big Carrot Community Market.

EVENTS

While The Kingston Social House has come to a close, Chef Mike Beck is back at it this weekend. Tuck into a Smoked Brisket Big Mac, Beer Braised Pulled Pork Burrito, Portobello Pastrami on Rye and much more Saturday 11am-6pm at Common Good Beer Company (475 Ellesmere Rd.)

Are you celebrating both St. Patrick’s Days this year?

NEWS

Sally Schmitt, founder of French Laundry, has died. She was 90 years old.

Chowhound had a good long run. Psst. You’ve got Toronto Restaurants now.

If you’re a small, independent restaurant in West Queen West, you’re in luck.

You’ve got until April 2 to register for the City of Toronto’s CaféTO program.

The mask mandate ends Monday. Are you ready?

Eco-friendly drinks are a hot topic this week with the arrival of wine in a paper bottle and a wonky looking coffee cup.

Is chickpea ice cream next?

What would Julia Child think?

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to know: Alice Tam, owner/baker of virtual dessert shop Soft Dough Co., has partnered with three other POC-led bakeries - LÀ LÁ Bakeshop, New Pie Co., and The Night Baker - to showcase seven bestselling confections. The Dream Set, containing an assortment of cakes, cookies, and pies, is available for a limited time only, so act fast. Pro tip: Have a pair of stretchy pants on hand, if you're not living in them already.

Subscribers also got first dibs on this nugget: HotBlack Coffee just opened a third location in Midtown a few months back. Psst, a fourth is about to drop. Find the newest outpost of the award-winning coffee/bottle shop at Yonge & Bloor (15 Charles St. E.) starting April 1. Fun fact: Guests from The Anndore House hotel next door can access the coffee shop directly via a side entrance.

ICYMI

Looking for ways you can help Ukraine? Discover fabulous fundraisers by local chefs and restaurants. 

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook 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 with others. Share the love: send a note or testimonial.

Need staff? Help promoting your menu, bottle shop, heated patio, private event space, but you’re on a budget? We can help. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available.

Reach foodies directly. Advertise with Toronto Restaurants . Space is limited.

Toronto restaurants, bars, cafes and shops raising money for Ukraine

Photo: Heavenly Perogy.

🕘 7 min read 

The hospitality industry is coming together for those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Discover the exciting initiatives - and delicious fare - offered by local chefs, eateries and hotspots supporting relief efforts in Ukraine.

BARBERIAN’S STEAK HOUSE

Barberian’s Steak House (7 Elm St.) has added a side of Pierogies ($13) to the menu - $10 donated for each order. To date, over 150 orders have been sold. Owner Arron Barberian made the first donation to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) a few days ago and donated 1,000,000 Aeroplan miles to Miles4Migrants to help refugees. 

BARREL HOUSE KORCHMA

Ukrainian restaurant Barrel House Korchma (2385 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) in Etobicoke has set up a cash donation box on-site for the Friends of Ukraine Defense Forces Fund (FUDF Fund). Anyone wishing to donate can take a homemade Ukrainian Heart Cookie made by Sonia Kostiw, a graduate of the Humber Baking & Pastry Arts Management Program and owner of home-based bakery Golden Sunflour. Two weeks ago, she created Cookies in Support of Ukraine, a fundraiser with all proceeds from the cookies went to Guardian Angels Ukraine Fund, raising $3,200. Currently, with every cookie or cake order she receives, 50 per cent of sales will be donated to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

COOKERY
Kitchenware store and cooking school Cookery with three Toronto locations (303 Roncesvalles Ave. | 2302 Bloor St. W. | 2588 Yonge St.) is helping the Ukrainian war effort with a live online cooking class fundraiser on March 25. During the real-time Zoom with the store and Chef Sasha Gaponovitch, you will prep and cook a meal of traditional Ukrainian food - Chicken Kiev, fresh salad, Deruny (potato pancakes), and Biskvit (apple cake) - while enjoying a glass of wine or two from Amy McIntyre's pairings selected from the LCBO. All proceeds will go to the Ukraine war effort and local Ukrainian community  Register by March 18 and be entered to win free wine pairings. Winner will receive two wines selected, and all participants will be entered to win one of several prizes.

DISTRICT PIZZA

In solidarity with Ukraine, District Pizza in The Distillery District (32 Gristmill Lane) created Pierogies for Peace, with 100 per cent of the proceeds supporting humanitarian relief efforts. Order Cheese & Potato Pierogies ($8⁣)  (caramelized onions + $1, bacon + $2, onions & bacon + $3) directly from the pizzeria’s website.

THE GRAND TRUNK

Alison Barrie, owner of Parkdale's cozy watering hole The Grand Trunk (1718 Queen St. W.) and The Queen's End Cafe & Emporium (1664 Queen St. W.) that debuted in November, is constantly supporting others. For every $6 a shot of Ukrainian vodka at The Grand Trunk, $3 will be donated to the Kyiv School of Economics for safety equipment. Booze not your thing? Cash and e-transfer donations are also being accepted.

Photo: Gusto 101. Mafalade Ai Funghi.

GUSTO 101

Buzzy Italian destination Gusto 101 (101 Portland St.) “stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people during this humanitarian crisis,” and is donating $1 from each Mafalade Ai Funghi sold March 14-April 14 to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization  providing fresh and nourishing meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home, in addition to those who remain in the country.

HEAVENLY PEROGY

Ukrainian restaurant Heavenly Perogy inside St. Volodymyr Cathedral (400 Bathurst St.) is collecting donations for medical and humanitarian supplies with drop-off locations in Toronto and Oakville. You can also donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal and Friends of Ukraine Defense Forces Fund (FUDF Fund).

HOTBLACK COFFEE

Purchase a Ukrainian Cookie ($2) made with all-natural blueberry and lemon flavouring and colouring and/or a Blue & Yellow Duckie ($4 ea.) at any HotBlack Coffee location (1921 Yonge St. | 245 Queen St. W. | 2196 Bloor St. W.). All proceeds from sales will be donated to Humanitarian Efforts for the People of Ukraine, via the Ukranian Canadian Social Services Toronto. Founding partner Jimson Bienenstock said in a phone interview with Toronto Restaurants, “It’s not about being pro-Ukrainian or anti-Russian, Far from it. it’s about being pro-humanitarian.” 

Photo: Terrace Take-Away. Patychky (pork on a stick).

TERRACE TAKE-AWAY

Terrace Take-Away located inside Oakville’s St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (300 River Oaks Blvd. E.) specializes in homemade Ukrainian fare. Think: comforting fare such as soup, crepes, pierogies, cutlets, cabbage rolls, sides and desserts. Until April 15, ten per cent of all food sales will be directed towards humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

#CHEFSFORUKRAINE

Chefs Matt Dean Pettit and Tom Milosz Malycha are hosting a #ChefsforUkraine fundraiser at Pearl Diver (100 Adelaide St. E.) Monday, March 14 at 6-9pm. The event is drop-in (visit anytime, no RSVP or ticket required in advance). Enjoy a “Taste of Ukraine” plate and one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) for $30 and purchase raffle tickets (3/$10) for a chance to wine great prizes. There’s a cash bar. Donations for humanitarian relief (coloured duct tape, construction gloves, emergency blankets, flashlights, sleeping bags, tents, candles, and new thermal clothes) will be accepted on-site. All donations (both monetary and relief items) will be delivered into Lviv and dispersed to relevant Ukrainian relief organizations with a support of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Sophia. Can’t make the event? Donate via e-transfer: anna.voblaia at gmail.com.

Note: Menu items, prices and availability subject to change. Please contact establishments directly for information. 

Be sure to check back often, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for updates.

Are you or someone you know in hospitality raising funds and/or collecting donations for Ukraine? Get in touch.   

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

Photo courtesy of Sweetie Pie.

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.

🕘 12 min read

Masks are coming off, days are getting longer, and the comings and goings happening right now is out of control. This week’s 24 arrivals are just the tip of the iceberg.

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

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Chefs/owners Gerry Quintero and Mandy Sou are celebrating the soft opening of Alma + Gil’s new store today (1543 Dupont St.). Find breakfast sandos, power bowl, juices to go and pantry items Thursday-Friday 12-3pm for now.

The owner behind last month’s new Bar 244 (244 Adelaide St W.) also purchased Pravda Vodka Bar  (44 Wellington Ave. E.) approximately a year-and-a-half ago, with the intention to revamp the brand, but COVID lockdowns delayed everything. Say hello to Brash & Sassy Vodka Bar. Launch parties are happening this weekend. 

The Cat On Q’s grand opening took place Saturday. The new live music and event venue complete with all-day kitchen is sister eatery to The Cat Pub & Eatery (3513 Dundas St. W.) in The Junction and replaced 817 Sports Bar & Grill (817 Queen St. W.) that shuttered last winter.

Donut Hive has finally arrived in Mississauga (724 Lakeshore Rd. E.). Tuck into everything from Strawberry Basil filled to dipped confections that look like Spider-Man.

It seems the pandemic hasn’t slowed Gladiator Burger & Steak one bit. Check out their latest arrival at Kennedy and Ellesmere (1961 Kennedy Rd.) in Scarborough.

The menu at Happy Fishman Chinese Seafood Cuisine (3636 Steeles Ave. E., Unit 151-153) in Markham is extensive. How extensive, you ask? There are 40 “Chef’s Recommendation” dishes alone. 

Following a recent arrival just a few weeks ago, Holy Shakes and T.O.’s Kathi Roll Eatery (3035 Argentia Rd.,Unit 6) landed in Mississauga.

Holy Wiches (6039 Erin Mills Pkwy, Unit 1B) in Mississauga has got you covered for sandwiches, wraps and bowls. 

New burger joint Hong Bo Burger & Poutine in First Markham Place Food Court (3255 Highway 7 E., Unit 251), specializes in Asian-style varieties (Kimchi, Teriyaki, Crispy Shrimp). And while you can order it with a regular bun, the beet (pink) or charcoal (black) variety will definitely catch likes on your feed. Also available: selection of spaghetti, salad, poutine, sides and drinks.

Condo dwellers and workers in the King and Portland area have a few more healthy options thanks to Liberty Shawarma (565 King St. W.).

La Piscina (1615 Dundas St. W.) has been going by its new name and look since February 9. Known as Safehouse Coffee since 2016, the café, grocery and lounge has great local goods for the pantry – Mattachioni frozen pizza, Ontario Honey Creations Hot Honey, Huber Farms Turkey Sausage Patties, Propeller Coffee – but don’t sleep on the evening cozy bar vibes, accompanied by occasional paint nights.

New Pie Co.’s new digs at King and Niagara across from Stanley Park (852 King St. W.) launch Sunday. Enjoy $5 slices, a new pie flavour (Chai Mango!), new products, and much more. Read about founder Shiela Labao  in this week’s At The Pass.

Haligonians take their donair seriously. Oliver’s Pizza & Donair (400 Dundas St. E.) in Mississauga is receiving rave reviews on Google for the east coast wraps and pizza. 

Bubble tea lovers, get ready. The grand opening for Palgong Tea at Metro Square (3636 Steeles Ave. E., Unit 125) kicks off Saturday at noon. Pro tip: Get there early. The first 100 customers receive a free milk tea. The rest can enjoy a BOGO offer - Buy any drink, get a free original or taro milk tea with one topping until March 18. 

Grace ran her convenience store River Variety (117 River St.) in Regent Park for 20 years before having to move due to condo development. Luckily, her new home isn’t far away. She transformed a massage parlour at Broadview and Dundas (269 Broadview Ave.) into a welcoming space complete with high ceilings and artful touches without. Shop home essentials, fun treats (Uncle Ray’s!), flowers, lottery tickets, and other items.

Find Persian specialties such as Kashk-e-Bademjan, Aash Reshteh, Baghali Polo & Mahiche,  and Gheimeh Stew at Shamshiri Restaurant (280 Sheppard Ave. E.) at Bayview and Sheppard in North York.  

Barbecue season has officially arrived, thanks to Smokehouse & Co. (910 Rowntree Dairy Rd., Unit 23) in Vaughan. Traditional southern fare includes chicken, sausage, ribs, wings, pulled pork, and brisket, with a variety of accompaniments.

“Urban inspired” North American eatery State & Main Kitchen & Bar has 15 locations across the province. Their first ghost kitchen just landed in Toronto (212 King St. W.).

Sub Division (461 King St. W., Lower Level) is changing the game. A bar without phones or bottle service – are you in?

2021 was a banner year for Sweetie Pie. 2022 is also looking pretty great. Find the very latest dessert destination in Leaside (1639 Bayview Ave., entrance on Fleming). Doors opened yesterday.

Taiwanese tea chain TP Tea has kept busy during the pandemic. Find the latest at Yonge and Wellesley (10 Wellesley St. E., Unit 105B).

It’s raining mini doughnuts at 6ix Donutz’s first location near York University (45 Four Winds Dr.).

99 Bottles Craft Alcohol & Bodega (925 Kingston Rd.) debuted earlier this week. Pick up everything from craft brews and takeout to  plants and wine. So, pretty much all the essentials you need for the weekend.

CLOSED         

Ginger Restaurant (355 Yonge St.), a fixture at Yonge and Dundas for years, is papered up. The eatery known for “Viet famous food” has three other locations: Yonge & Bloor (695 Yonge St.), Queen & University (212 Queen St. W.), and North York (2590 Weston Rd.).

This is the final weekend to get in on Jack and Lil's (684 St Clair Ave. W., entrance via rear laneway). The South African commissary by mother-and-son duo Lauren and Dan Gütter launched six-and-a-half years ago.

Mi'hito Sushi Laboratory (4 Edward St.) shuttered as of February 15. Locations in Toronto (55 Avenue Rd. and 285 College St.) and Mississauga (90 Courtneypark Dr.) remain open.

Sunday’s the last day for Mi Taco Taqueria’s Queen and University location (247 Queen St. W.). 

Oakville’s The Wine Bar (100 Bronte Rd., Unit 9) may be closed, but it’s not forever. Stay tuned.

CHANGES

The Compass Foodbank provides food and support for people in South Mississauga who are affected by low income. (Everyone is welcome.) Find them in their new home in Port Credit (427 Lakeshore Rd. E.) Doors opened Monday. They are currently accepting donations.

EVENTS

Get in on the fun at MapleLicious – enjoy maple-themed promotions from Cabbagetown businesses, with a finale celebration on Sunday, April 3.

NEWS

The news of celebrated winemaker Paul Pender’s death last month rocked the industry. According to the CBC, a Hamilton man has been charged with second-degree murder.

Hugh's Room Live has finally found a new home. A fixture in the west end for years, is moving east. The new digs: A heritage church building (296 Broadview Ave.) just south of East Chinatown and north of The Broadview Hotel. The building designed by renowned Toronto architect Edward James Lennox (a few examples of his work: Old City Hall, Casa Loma) is just the first step. Funding is next.

Psst. Chef Patrick Kriss of award-winning Alo Restaurant, Aloette, Alobar Yorkville, and Salon is helming signature restaurant Alder at Ace Hotel Toronto (51 Camden St.) set to open this summer. The acclaimed chef will be at the new wood-fired restaurant "often," while "a chef team who will be running the day-to-day kitchen operations," Khuong Phan, in charge of F+B/PR for the hotel, confirmed via email. p.s. If you were a TR Newsletter subscriber, you would have received the two items above ahead of the crowd. Stop missing out and subscribe already.

Do you have what it takes to be on Top Chef Canada? Apply now.

ICYMI 

One of the most exciting launches of 2021? Little Sister Baking at Market 707. The micro Desi bakery by talented siblings Le Cordon Bleu alum Akash and marketing pro Tanvi, is THE place to be. (Hot tip: New menu juuust dropped. Get in on Black Pepper Chicken Puff, Rasam Galette, Narangi Shahi Tukda, Haldi Doodh and more!) Discover this dynamic duo’s favourite bars + restos around town, guilty pleasures, hidden talents and much more in this week’s fascinating At The Pass.

As of Monday last week, proof of vaccination is no longer required at restaurants. Some owners however, have chosen to keep the policy in place, while others have already changed their mind. Get the update.

Are you ready to hang up your mask?

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook 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 with others. Share the love: send a note or testimonial. 

Need staff? Help promoting your menu, bottle shop, heated patio, private event space, but you’re on a budget? We can help. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available. 

At The Pass with Akash & Tanvi Swar

Little Sister Baking’s sisters and co-owners Akash (l) and Tanvi (r) Swar.

At The Pass is a weekly series showcasing Toronto’s best chefs. You won’t find any celebrity chefs 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 Akash and Tanvi Swar.

🕒 6 min read

Sisters and co-owners Little Sister Baking - Pastry Chef Akash Swar and Marketing Professional Tanvi Swar

Formerly

AS: Le Cordon Bleu, Auberge Du Pommier, Buca, Chase Hospitality Group, Nugateau
TS: I’ve only worked in advertising before.

Favourite dish to make right now

AS: Chicken Biryani.
TS: I’m obsessed with making Chicken Tinga. I meal prep it all the time – it’s easy and makes like six different meals and it’s just delicious.

Last cookbook purchase

AS: Room For Dessert by Will Goldfarb. It was actually a present.
TS: Pangat, a Feast: Food and Lore from Marathi Kitchens by Saree Koranne-Khandekar  

Have you read it/tried any recipes 

AS: I've read the book, but haven’t tried any recipes out yet. It has inspired me though.
TS: I haven’t, but I have my eye on the Green Fish Curry!

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

AS: Gimmicky foods made for Instagram that taste mediocre. Gimmicky foods made for Instagram that taste amazing are GREAT.
TS: Under seasoned food. 

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

AS: South Indian food - South Indian food has so much complexity and flavour and it’s just under-explored in Toronto right now!
TS: South East Asian Curry Laksa has finally arrived in Canada and I’d like to see more of it in the West End. Selfishly, I’m also really excited about the explosion of Sri Lankan and Malaysian food right now! 

Desi Pasta. Spiced pasta sauce topped with Chicken Tikka or Paneer Tikka. “The spices really give the sauce some extra body.”

Biggest influences

AS: The bakery culture in Mumbai, my family’s cooking, Will Goldfarb for his unique approach towards pastry.
TS: Family recipes, bakeries in Bombay, and a lot of food historians and anthropologists.

If you could eat at any restaurant in the world

AS: I don’t really have specific restaurant choices, but I truly enjoy the simplicity of home cooked meals and street food in Mumbai.
TS: Honestly my list is super long and would probably start in Mumbai, but right now closer to home I really want experience Oji Seichi and Mark Sushi.

Last thing you ate

AS: Shawarma in Dubai.
TS: Worst question right now because I ate a mishmash dinner of butter bean tuna salad, fries, pickles, pickled lupini beans, and watermelon with Tajin.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

AS: Ginger garlic paste, chillies, butter.
TS: Cheese, pickles, hot sauce.

Guilty pleasure

AS: Popcorn.
TS: Cactus Club Café - I dream of their Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps daily.

Narangi Shahi Tukda. Shahi Tukda is “South Asia’s answer to bread pudding.”

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

AS: Chef Harwash, Banu, Pizzeria Badiali.
TS: I honestly have too many… Bernhardt’s, Lakeshore Food Company, Banu.

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

AS: Civil Liberties, Rhum Corner, WVRST.
TS: Birriera Volo, Paradise Grapevine, Bang Sue.

Go-to drink  

AS: N/A.
TS: Anything on a menu that has gin, cucumber or lime and rum - Dark + Stormy or Negroni.

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

AS: Eating irregularly.
TS: Being messy… Don’t worry, I don’t cook in the LSB kitchen! 

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

AS: Creating a prep list, and then following it to the t, being super super super super super organized.
TS: Experimenting even when it feels like no one cares.

Chai and Pakoras.

Hidden talent

AS: I actually have a really good singing voice and studied Indian classical singing as well as Kathak, a classic Indian dance form.
TS:  I paint and cook well - but suck at baking and don’t cook professionally.

Best career advice you ever received

AS: Don’t give up and always fold your towels. - Will Goldfarb who signed my Room for Dessert book.
TS: N/A.

Worst career advice you ever received

AS: N/A.
TS: N/A.

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business

AS: Plan everything in advance, keep a positive mindset and be ready to learn everything and anything you can.
TS: N/A.

In order to support chefs during this time, the monthly At The Pass series is now WEEKLY. 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 newsletter.