Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 26

At The Pass with Manek Singh

Chef Manek Singh, Le Phénix. Photo by Jessica Blaine Smith.

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. Introducing Manek Singh.

🕒 5.5. min read 

Currently

Chef de Partie, Le Phénix

Formerly

Started in the industry working for the Taj Hotels group back in India for a year, Moved to Cape Town to work for a restaurant called The Yard as part of the opening team for a year, then moved back to India worked as a Lead Chef at Flavour Diaries for chef Anjali Pathak. Staged at a brilliant Italian restaurant called Ristorante Sotto l'Arco in Bologna Italy under chef Alessandro Panichi, and finally landed in Le Phénix.

Favourite dish to make right now

Risotto. It’s rice, butter and cheese - what can go wrong?

Last cookbook purchase

Dominique Ansel: Secret Recipes from the World Famous New York Bakery by Dominique Ansel

Have you read it/tried any recipes

I’m halfway through it actually. It is detailed. I tried to follow his recipe for meringue and it was bang on after a few trials and errors.

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

Aubergines (aka Eggplants). I can’t do them - feels like I am biting into a sponge full of bitter water.

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

Mussels. I am not a seafood kind of person, but mussels are the one thing I love.

Biggest influences

My parents and close friends. They push me to be better every day and have supported me in following my passion for food and to be a chef.

Coffee Cured Rack of Lamb with Parsnip Purée, coffee and red wine glaze and maple glazed carrots. The Yard, Cape Town.

If you could eat at any restaurant in the world

El Celler de Can Roca in Spain.

Last thing you ate

Moto Bun at Hanmoto - Hamamoto Japanese chicken curry, scotch bonnet slaw, pickled chillis, scallions, on a coco bun. 

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

Garlic, butter and tomatoes.

Guilty pleasure

Butter Chicken -  too cliché, I know, and an occasional Mr. Brown Coffee mid-service.

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

Viaggio, Hanmoto, North of Brooklyn

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

Bellwoods Brewery, Bandit Brewery, Collective Arts Brewery

Prepping for service. Photo by Jessica Blaine Smith.

Go-to drink  

Any wheat beer and iced Americano.

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

Need to be more on point when it comes to downsizing produce. That is the one thing I need to pay more attention to. 

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

Keep your work station clean. It makes life easy both during prep and service. And having a stack of folded kitchen towels goes a long way.

Hidden talent

I am a photographer and I make killer coffee.

Best career advice you ever received

Follow your heart, keep cooking, and don’t be afraid to fail as that will lead to be the reason for your success. - from an old chef of mine chef Tushar back in India when I started out in the industry.

Worst career advice you ever received 

Never received any bad career advice. I listen to everything people in the industry tell me and then find my own rhythm and place in it all.

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business:

If love food and cooking, just do it. Don’t be afraid, just cook your heart out and the more you do, the more you will refine your style and craft and be able to define yourself. Don’t try to be someone else. Be you. And never stop learning. You learn something new every day. That is the best part of being a cook – every day is exciting and new.

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.  

Ontario finally lifts capacity limits for bars and restaurants - What that means for the industry and public at large

October 25, 2021 marks the first day in over 19 months dining inside a restaurant without physical distancing is permitted.

🕒 8 min read

Bars, restaurants, and other food and drink establishments across the province are transforming their spaces for the umpteenth time since the outset of the pandemic in March 2020, when restaurants were ordered to shut down indoor dining, permitted to remain open for only takeout and/or delivery.

As of Monday, October 25, 2021 at 12:01am, these businesses are permitted to open at full capacity indoors without previously required physical distancing for the first time in over 19 months. Large venues such as concert arenas, movie theatres, and racetracks were allowed to ditch enforced limits and operate at full capacity on October 8, 2021.

Patios reopened as part of Step 1 of the Roadmap to Reopen on June 11, followed by indoor dining with reduced capacity (no limits on number of patrons per table, however physical distancing and other restrictions were still in effect) introduced just three months ago n July 16, in accordance with Step 3.

Planning ahead

The first “milestone” in A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, released by the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health on October 22, 2021, lifts capacity limits in most settings where proof of vaccination are required including restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, and venues including gyms, casinos, event spaces, and certain outdoor settings.

The plan outlines the schedule of province’s “gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022,” including mask regulations.

Infographic of the plan outlined by the province illustrates abbreviated information with respect to food and drink businesses. For complete details, see A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term.

The plan also includes a statement by Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health: “We are now in a position where we can see the proposed plan for lifting the remaining public health and workplace safety measures in Ontario. The months ahead will require continued vigilance, as we don’t want to cause anymore unnecessary disruption to people’s everyday lives. We must continue to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities by following the public health measures in place and by vaccinating those who have not yet received their shots. Ontario has the infrastructure in place to manage outbreaks, including a high-volume capacity for testing, and people to perform fast and effective case and contact management when needed.”

Proof of vaccination

Ontarians have been required to be fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination and government issued ID to dine indoors since September 22, 2021. According to the provincial government’s current schedule, the vaccination certificate program could end as soon as mid-January.

Due to vaccination requirements, some businesses have chosen not to offer indoor dining, such as The Goods and the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, while others are not currently accepting medical exemptions including Bistro on Avenue and Farside. Though not currently mandated by the province, some establishments - Godspeed Brewery, Osteria Rialto - require proof of vaccination for patio seating.

Individuals can now download enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificates.

Verify Ontario, the vaccine verification app for businesses, launched October 14 on Apple and Google. As of October 18, individuals can download enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificates with scannable QR codes.

Restaurants Canada, a national not-for-profit association representing Canada's foodservice industry, is asking the provincial government to provide “additional support for the hard-hit foodservice industry in light of the additional costs and revenue losses that restaurants have incurred from implementing the vaccine passport system.” In a recent survey conducted by the hospitality organization, 60 percent of restaurant operators reported a drop in revenue as a direct result of proof of vaccination requirements. “When combined with the higher staffing levels needed and other costs incurred from having to enforce the new rules,” the statement reads, “restaurants need additional support to continue providing jobs and growing the Ontario economy.”

The long road to recovery

Throughout the global crisis, restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments had to transform their spaces into fully operational takeout and delivery operations. Now they must operate all facets – takeout, delivery, patio if applicable, and indoor dining - while implementing strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

While the reintroduction of indoor dining is certainly good news for the industry, the road to recovery is long. With the recent end of government wage and rent subsidies, organizations such as Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reiterate the hardships facing the community. “COVID-19 is still hitting the small business community hard. Despite the economy reopening, many businesses are continuing to struggle – or shutter – without better relief from the federal government.”  the organization launched a petition asking the government for more support reporting 58 per cent of business owners having sales “well below normal levels.” and only 78 per cent of businesses “fully open.”

The hospitality industry has been dealt severe blows throughout the pandemic. In addition to reconfiguring their indoor spaces  countless times throughout the pandemic – blocking off dining areas, setting up and implementing systems and making room for takeout and delivery, installing plexiglass and other dividers, setting up procedures for disinfecting and contact tracing, building patios and furnishing them, numerous establishments have turned their dining room into a full production line - now they must reimagine spaces once again to welcome guests indoors. According to the schedule laid out by the province, that could mean vaccinated and unvaccinated guests dining side-by-side in as little as under three months from now.

Although increased capacity is a step forward for the industry, it doesn’t ensure “business as usual.” Hurdles continue with staffing shortages, local and global supply chain issues, inflation, and the recent end to federal wage and rent subsidies. The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA), which has been rallying on behalf of Canada’s hardest hit businesses throughout the pandemic, has asked the government to launch “a new, tailored wage and fixed cost support program be established at the earliest opportunity” to ensure they survive these upcoming colder months.

Cooler weather signifies the end of patio season. which according to CaféTO is November 10, 2021,. And while there is a possibility of the CaféTO patio program becoming permanent (New York confirmed a year-round program last year), it won’t be anytime soon - the City of Toronto report recommends the return of temporary curb lane cafés “next year, with installation starting as early as May 2022 and under similar guidelines and requirements from 2021, it also includes a recommendation to develop criteria for the permanent, seasonal use of curb lane cafés by 2023,” as part of a “phased approach toward a permanent and streamlined CaféTO program.”

A step forward

As establishments continues to face a multitude of obstacles, lifting capacity limits for indoor dining as patio season comes to a close is a much needed boost and step forward in the industry’s recovery.

Further ways you can help: Pick up groceries, pantry items, prepared foods, meal kits, and libations at neighbourhood bars, restaurants, cafes, and bottle shops. Ordering in? Visit the establishment’s website to place your order. Better yet, pick up the phone. 

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

For breaking news, interviews and much more, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter.  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News October 21-27, 2021

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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

This week, I uncovered 22 arrivals featuring a real mishmash of eateries - both in types of food offered as well as format. Which pairs perfectly with the weather right now: tank top and sandals one minute, jacket and toque the next.

And stay tuned - more news, exciting new features, etc., are on the way. In the meantime, here’s the very latest.

OPEN

Riverside’s newest arrival, restaurant and cocktail lounge Aura (686 Queen St. E.) at Queen and Broadview, boasts a heated patio - ideal for cooler days like these.  

Brasa Peruvian Kitchen debuted at Dupont and Landsdowne this summer.  While the outpost at First Canadian Place isn’t quite ready to launch, the chain’s signature bowls and salads have landed east side at Kitchen Hub’s Cabbagetown location (234 Parliament St.).

East York is overflowing with culinary gems, and Elmer’s Fine Food (1027 Pape Ave.) at Pape and Cosburn is no exception. On the menu: Filipino comfort fare for days. Think Pancit Bihon, Nilaganga Baka, Crispy Pata, Kare Kare, Chicken Afritada, Binagoongan, Dinakdakan and Bopis – a spicy delicacy made with minced pig’s lung and heart. Pro tip: Leave room for dessert - Lechen Flan, Cassava Cake, Royal Bibingka, Tuon and Halo Halo.

Extra Burger’s focused menu (burgers, fried chicken sando, fries) has been a sensation since inception. No doubt success will follow at their new home in Oakwood (319 Oakwood Ave.).

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to know: Farzi Café debuts in Canada tomorrow. The chain's "unique, modernist approach to Indian food" - aka molecular gastronomy - and mention in the Michelin Guide have been making headlines of late, so you might expect the eatery to land in a buzzy neighbourhood downtown or chic, out-of-the-way spot. In fact, it's opening in a mall: Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr.).

Flourish and Bask (245 Lakeshore Rd. E., Unit 2) in Oakville celebrates the art of entertaining with all the components for happy hour - sans alcohol - in addition to an assortment of housewares and décor. Grand opening celebrations took place Saturday. 

Psst. The follks behind AMPM have created another entrancing Parkdale destination: Fun Time (1566 Queen St. W., back entrance), complete with Southeast Asian street food.

Good Luck Café (5533 Yonge St.) softly opened at Yonge & Finch last week. While their food menu includes enticing HK cafe selections, your attention will likely sway toward drinks bobbing with three-dimensional Ted-esque shaped infused ice, until it eerily liquefies.

Hazukido’s third location in the GTA touched down in Markham at Markville Mall (5000 Hwy 7).

The frenzy of hotel openings downtown continues with King Blue Hotel at the corner of King Street West and Blue Jays Way (355 King St. W.) in the heart of Entertainment District. Bonus features: pet-friendly rooms, rooftop terrace and deluxe indoor swimming pool. *Hands up if you remember when the location was home to Indian Motorcycle Café & Lounge.

Le Dolci bakery has been a part of Trinity Bellwoods since 2012. Should you live outside the vicinity, a selection of their award-winning cakes, cupcakes and brownie trays are now available through Kitchen Hub’s Etobicoke (935 The Queensway) and Cabbagetown (234 Parliament) locations.

I’ve been chronicling all the eateries at 858 Eglinton Ave. E. in East York since early summer: First Conspiracy Pizza, quickly followed by ice cream joint Churnt Up, and Phamily Eats in July. The evolution continues with the addition of late night confectionery, Midnight Cookie. Doors open tomorrow.

Milky’s (760 Dundas St. W.) dreamy spot at Dundas and Bathurst just got a sweet sibling: Visit Milky’s Cloud Room in Stackt Market’s Marketplace (28 Bathurst St., Unit 1-107).

Readers of last week’s OPEN/CLOSED were the first in on resos opening for the wildly-anticipated MIMI Chinese (265 Davenport Rd.). For those just catching up, the restaurant opens today, though there’s likely to be quite a wait. To help pass the time, discover more about this exciting venture from the talented folks behind Sunny’s Chinese.

Coffee and office supplies/stationery go hand-in-hand, so how apropos to find the sixth Mos Mos Coffee nestled in Staples’ chic new shop at Richmond and Parliament  (517 Richmond St. E.).

Pearl Chinese Cuisine debuted at the water’s edge Harbourfront (207 Queen's Quay W., Unit 200) years back, followed by a coveted spot in Bayview Village (2901 Bayview Ave.) in 2011. The third installation is undoubtedly the most stunning. Take a peek inside the new digs, spanning approx. 7,000 square feet at Oakville Place (240 Leighland Ave., near Entrance 1).

Taking over Mulberry Bar’s stomping grounds at Bloor and Shaw (828 Bloor St. W.) - Praise Bottle Shop by Will Predhomme and Scott Zabarth, the folks behind Gargoyle Wine Club. In addition to purchasing bottles, guests can tuck into wine on-site, alongside bites curated by esteeemed chef Doug Penfold (Cava, Chabrol, Tanto).

The last time I wrote about Sang-Ji Fried Bao was 2018. Welcome back, old friend, this time (5461 Yonge St.) with a new menu. 

Sari Not Sari (1566 Queen St. W.) delivers on DJs, drinks, and vibes, but eats by the one and only BBs is what makes it legend.

Reservations for Selva (221 Richmond St. W.), the “world’s first immersive, multi-sensory art/resto/bar experience,” open Sunday. Leading the culinary program - Nuit Regular, executive chef and co-owner of Kiin, Sabai Sabai, Sukthothai, PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, and By Chef Nuit. She took over the food program at The Fifth and RendezViews at the same address this summer.

Victory Food encompasses all your fast food cravings – smash burgers, fried chicken, pizza, and desserts – with a few salads added in for good measure. The line by Chef Victor Barry (PIANO PIANO, PICCOLO PIANO Pizzeria) debuted yesterday at food hall Kitchen Hub in Cabbagetown (234 Parliament).

CLOSED 

Hanabusa Café in Kensington Market (77 Kensington Ave.) is no more.

Rosy Kitchen in Danforth Village (2620 Danforth Ave.) has shuttered.

Wong’s Ice Cream & Store is closing for good. Better stock up. What flavours will you miss the most?

EVENTS

COMEBACK is on at stackt market this weekend with a pop-up restaurant, vendor village featuring 20+ small local businesses, and much more.

Street Eats Market x Scarborough Town Centre returns this weekend with The Mac and Cheese Festival.

I first discovered Ensanemada in July. Find an array of ”Filipino brioche with a twist” at The District Kitchen at Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) this weekend.

Big Trouble Pizza’s next burger pop-up is happening Monday in front of soon-to-be neighbours Famiglia Baldassarre (122 Geary Ave.).

NEWS

You’ll soon be able to purchase local craft brews at farmers’ markets.

Could the City’s CaféTO  patio program become permanent?

ICYMI

Have you downloaded your enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate? For how to get yours, head to the TR Proof of Vaccination Guide.

If you haven’t already subscribed to the newsletter, now’s the time. Get The Tip Off, a sneak peek at the upcoming Open/Closed (because who doesn’t want to be the first to know?), and fab deals and special offers from restaurants and local businesses (because who doesn’t want to save money?), all exclusive to subscribers. 

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast - I wrote about +110 new arrivals in September 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.

Need help promoting your menu, bottle shop, or private dining space 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 October 14-20, 2021

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

🕒 12.5 min read

Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs played the Montréal Canadians at Scotiabank Arena to 100 per cent capacity crowd of approximately 19K  while restaurants remain stalled at a 50 per cent cap. Rumblings are that this may change Monday. Fingers/ladles crossed.

In the meantime, I’ve got 24 arrivals for you sink your teeth into.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Amano Trattoria (9 Church St.),”inspired by” sister venture Amano Italian Kitchen, debuts Tuesday with an assortment of handmade pasta, traditional style pizza, and assaggini boards.

Greg O’Brien has been in hospitality for 15+ years, most recently at Beckta Dining & Wine in Ottawa. Then COVID-19 hit. Off work and at home, trying to figure out what to do, he and wife Sarah workshopped ideas over cocktails every day 4pm, finally dreaming up Bar from Afar, a  delivery based speakeasy style cocktail kits operation, with mixer kits that allow customers to choose a variety of spirits - as opposed to the usual gin or vodka based boxes. Demand in the country’s capital was high. Then requests from the 6ix started to appear. After pop-ups in the GTA last spring were “super well received,” O’Brien tells me, they launched the biz here two weeks ago at King and Niagara (229 Niagara St.). The commercial kitchen where syrups and purees are made, remains in Ottawa.

The Benue arrived at the corner of Christie and Davenport (440 Christie St.) just before Christmas, but with the windows papered up, the Nigerian eatery went largely undetected outside the pickup/delivery zone. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on these soups, stews, savoury snacks (Sausage Roll, Meat Pie, Scotch Egg) and mains such as Asun ($20) Roasted chunks of goat meat, tripe, and cow skin garnished with scotch bonnet peppers and onions; Peppered Snail ($22.99) ssautéed with onions and peppers, drizzled in a spicy sauce; Turkey ($12.99) Grilled turkey wing and drumstick smothered in a flavourful tomato-based sauce; Party Jollof Rice ($9.99) infused with spices, tomatoes, and smoky flavours.

The Black Lagoon Pop-Up helmed by industry vets Kelsey Ramage (Supernova Ballroom, Dolly Trolly Drinks) and LA-based Erin Hayes (Westward Whiskey, LiveWire Drinks) has finally arrived. The “Toronto Halloween pop-up of your nightmares” pops off today in Bloorcourt (866 Bloor St. W.), running through to Allhallows Eve, natch.

Café/bottle shop Boxcar Social officially opens in the lobby of  at The Waverly at College and Spadina (484 Spadina Ave.) tomorrow at 8am. This marks the fourth locations for the local hotspot for wine, whisky and third wave java.

Since Gong Cha’s inception in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the tea company has grown to 1.1K shops across 20 countries. The newest addition: 451 Danforth Ave. in Greektown. 

Johnson Family Bakery specializes in naturally leavened artisan bread and Swedish pastries. The home baked goods by trained chef Charles Johnson can be found inside The Dizzy Gastro Sports Pub (305 Roncesvalles Ave.) Thursday to Sunday, in addition to home delivery.

Hot tip: Konjiki Ramen and accompanying Saryo Café softly launched today at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.). Note: A limited menu will be available for a few days while staff is trained. Did you know? The first North American location of the Tokyo Michelin guide recommended Japanese ramen restaurant by Mr. Atsushi Yamamoto opened in Toronto in December 2017. A second debuted downtown earlier this year.

Psst: MIMI Chinese (265 Davenport Rd.) doesn’t open ‘til next week, but resos are happening today. Discover more about this exciting venture from the talented folks behind Sunny’s Chinese.

Tucked away in an industrial block in Vaughan/Woodbridge is Muncho Gusto (271 Jevlan Dr., Unit 17) with a focused menu: tacos, burrito, burger, nachos, pizza fries and meat-stuffed quesadillas (Cheeseburger, Philly Cheesesteak).

First came the Nani's Gelato food truck featuring Parry Sohi’s handmade, small batch artisan Asian and Italian gelato. Next, he secured a spot near Yonge & Bloor Summer 2020. Adding to the brand’s immense success, a shop in Mississauga (6039 Erin Mills Pkwy) just debuted.

Nusa Dua [N2] Kitchen & Bar (56 Bathurst St.) at Bathurst and Wellington does a mix of traditional Indonesian with fusion fare added in for good measure. For instance, Balinese famous grilled fowl Bebek Betutu ($31.99) Half duck, rice and sambal matah; Nasi Goreng ($17.99) Indonesian style egg fried rice studded with shredded chicken, topped with sunny-side egg; Rendang Wrap ($15.99) Beef rendang, purple cabbage, and yellow rice wrapped in tortilla; Tempeh Satay ($16.99) Grilled tempeh skewer (3) served with peanut sauce and white rice.

Oddseoul (90 Ossington Ave.) is back, this time with a new owner and some new menu items. Come thru.

Find Shelley Delight in the food court at Scarborough’s Parkway Mall (85 Ellesmere Rd.) “specializing in, but never limited to, Caribbean cuisine” by self-taught chef Michelle Berry. Berry, known as Shelley, is the creator behind Shelley Cares Foundation, a registered not-for-profit charitable organization established in 2018 “guided by a mission to positively impact local communities by confronting poverty and hunger,” currently partnered with the Toronto Public Library to provide 10 wi-fi hot spots “to low-income families, seniors, or individuals who face barriers in accessing internet connectivity in their homes, especially at this time.⁠” 

Soft Dough Co.’s pop-up at The District Kitchen in Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) commences today with Basque cheesecakes⁣, cinnamon buns, madeleines,⁣ cream cakes⁣, coffee and tea.

The Source Bulk Foods has been expanding its footprint across the GTA this last while. I was the first to tell you about  the zero waste bulk store from Australia’s outposts in Roncy and Oakville earlier this year. Doors opened yesterday in Leslieville (901 Queen St. E.). 

Bubble tea shop Suntea offers a wide range of selections, some that appear as much snack as sipper: Purple Sticky Rice & Tofu Milk Tea, Ovaltine Crunch & Boba Milk Tea, Cheese Cream Matcha. See for yourself at their new satellites at Yonge and Finch (5373 Yonge St.) and Markham East (5990 16th Ave., Unit 222), following an unveiling in Richmond Hill (280 West Beaver Creek Rd, Unit 12) in March.

Sweet2th materialized in Oakville (300 Lakeshore Rd. E.) with a boatload of sweets in the form of candy, chocolate, ice cream, gelato, and crepes, just in time for Halloween. 

It’s been a minute (nearly two years) since Track & Field – est 2015 - charmed crowds with their libations/lawn games combo housed  n a subterranean spot at College and Ossington ( 860 College St.). T&F is back, this time in a new spot - Little Italy (582 College St.) where Mad Crush Wine Bar and later The Peacock Public House once stood - with new games and ‘Snack & Field’ menu by chef Matt Basile, founder of Fidel Gatro’s. Doors open tomorrow.

Aromatic Egyptian sandos paired with dukka dusted fries at a price you can afford – what’s not to love? Thus, it’s no surprise last year’s arrival Tut’s Egyptian Street Food at King and Portland has been such a success. The second outpost quietly opened in Little Italy (617 College St.) last week where Masalawala Indian Canteen was.

Twisted Indian Wraps’ roti and naan wraps, Indian burgers and tacos and keto bowls have been popular at the Yonge and St. Clair eatery that debuted July 2020. Mississauga just got one to call its very own (1560 Dundas St. E., Bldg C3, Unit 2).

CLOSED

TR Newsletter subscribers got the intel first - Adam Skelly, owner of controversial chain Adamson Barbecue, has permanently closed all three locations.  

There’s already a new concept where The Elm Tree (43 Elm St.) stood. See above.

Ryus Noodle Bar’s west end location (669 Queen St. W.) closed May 9, however the Broadview and Danforth spot (786 Broadview Ave.), complete with patio, is here to stay.

Thindi’s last day at World Food Market (335 Yonge St.) will be October 27. Operations are moving to the cafe location on College (400 College St.).

EVENTS

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to know about Irene Matys - local farm-to-table advocate, food stylist, recipe developer, and on air expert on The Marilyn Denis Show - taking over the Cheese Boutique Food Truck Sunday to cook her favourite Cypriot street foods made with hyper local ingredients. BONUS: All proceeds - 100% - will go to support Lighthouse 4 Grieving Children, an organization in Oakville providing a safe place for grieving children, youth, and families to support each other as they move through their grief.

Vegandale Festival takes place Saturday at Fork York.

NEWS

Verify Ontario, the vaccine confirmation app for businesses, launched today on Apple and Google.

Filming of Dan Brown’s ‘The Lost Symbol’ took over the Patrician Grill earlier this week. Fun fact: It’s a popular setting for film and TV shoots.

Noma is the best in the world, again. Did you know: It’s the majority of  top picks for restaurants to visit in my acclaimed chef series, At The Pass.

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

ICYMI 

Khao Gaeng in Etobicoke should definitely be on your radar. Think: Thai comfort food by way of rich curries, aromatic stir-fries and addictive noodles. In this week’s At The Pass, chef/owners Nina Chaiwisescharoen and Rida Kongkaew share their latest cookbook purchases, fridge essentials, favourite locals + much more. Read the inspiring interview. 

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 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.

Need staff? Help promoting your menu/bottle shop/patio, 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 Nina Chaiwisescharoen and Rida Kongkaew

Chefs/Owners Nina Chaiwisescharoen (L) and Rida Kongkaew (R) of Khao Gaeng in Etobicoke.

🕒 6 min read

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. Introducing Nina Chaiwisescharoen and Rida Kongkaew.

Currently

Chefs/Owners, Khao Gaeng

Formerly

NC: Thai To Go, Pattaya Thai Kitchen, Jatujak

RK: I was a Mechanical Engineer before moving to Canada. But since I came here, I started working at multiple restaurants in Toronto, some including Thai To Go, Jatujak and Khao San Road.

Favourite dish to make right now

NC: : Pad See Ew, very simple and delicious.

RK: Since the pandemic hit, I promised myself to do a yearly event where I will stop eating meat for a month, so for now any plant-based spicy dish will do!

Last cookbook purchase

NC: Roasting by Peter Swann

RK: Eat Feel Fresh: A Contemporary, Plant-Based Ayurvedic Cookbook by Sahara Rose Ketabi

Have you read it/tried any recipes

NC: I read some of it, tried making Roasted Root Vegetables.

RK: I read it, but didn’t get a chance to make any of them yet.

Chef Nina Chaiwisescharoen.

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

NC: I think everything should be there.

RK: I love all kinds of food but I’m not a fan of cumin.

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

NC: : Pad Gra Prao Kai Dao. Customers like it and think we should advertise more.

RK: Lately I love the taste of sage, so I would love to see some fusion in Thai cuisine.

Biggest influences

NC: My mom, she’s a hard working person.

RK: My mom! Her work ethic, integrity and kindness influenced me to be who I am today. Plus, anything she makes tastes absolutely heavenly

If you could eat at any restaurant in the world

NC: Cal Pep, Barcelona.

RK: Not counting my mom’s homecooked meals in Bangkok, I would say Noma in Copenhagen.

Last thing you ate

NC: Warak Enab - stuffed grape leaves.

RK: Vegan Spaghetti Capri.

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Khao Gaeng’s Signature Pad Gra Prao Kai Dao.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

NC: Fresh garlic, chili, lime, fish sauce. You can make a dressing and have it with anything.

RK: Garlic, Thai chili, Holy basil.

Guilty pleasure

NC: All delicious cakes. 

RK: Fatty foods!

 Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

NC: Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu, Maurya East Indian Roti, La Sala

RK: Patria, Yasu, Banu

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

NC: Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge, Crafty Coyote, Cider House

RK: Nana, Bar Isabel, Bar Raval

Go-to drink

NC: N/A.

RK: Caesar.

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

NC: Lifting box with my back bent.

RK: Not drinking enough water and being a perfectionist.

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Chef Rida Kongkaew.

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

NC: Multiple tasks help for busy times.

RK: If you can’t do what you love (yet), you have to learn to love what you do.

Hidden talent

NC: Gardening.

RK: I can grow any kind of plant.

Best career advice you ever received

NC: Start doing what you want, don’t wait until you think you’re ready, because you never know when. Just do it. I got it from my business partner.

RK: “Leaders must always put their people before themselves. If you do that, your business will take care of itself.” – Alice Watson

Worst career advice you ever received

NC: I don’t have one yet, LOL.

RK: : I don’t think I’ve ever received any bad advice.

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business

NC: If there’s something that you want, do your best and don’t give up!

RK: You don’t need to be the most talented one in the kitchen. You just need to be disciplined and patient - Rome wasn’t built in a day! Also, take a good care of your physical and mental health. If you want to stay in the industry for a long time, you must stay fit and sane. These are the two most important things!  

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.  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News October 7-13, 2021

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 GTA. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #ifyouknowyouknow

🕒 11 min read

The days of a long weekend or national holiday impacting arrivals are long over, as my weekly findings both prior to and throughout the pandemic, confirm. This week is no different, as evidenced by the 17 arrivals below. And stay tuned – more news ahead in The Tip Off, exclusively available in the TR newsletter. In the meantime, happy Thanksgiving.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

bb.q Chicken brought its signature fried chicken to the downtown core just two weeks ago, quickly followed by a spot on Elm (43 Elm St.). Doors quietly opened Friday. 

Love tonkatsu? Korean tonkatsu house Brown Donkatsu And Ramen has been a fixture in Markham for some time now, and now North York (6024 Yonge St.) is getting it’s very own outpost. Doors open Tuesday with a host of deals for the grand opening.

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to get the heads-up about about Deccan’s Delight (1960 Lawrence Ave. E., Unit 18B). The new Indian restaurant at Victoria Park and Lawrence in Scarborough is notable for its Hyderabadi fare including Bagare Baigan (sautéed eggplant in spicy sweet curry  made with peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, and cashews), Dum ka Kheema (slow-cooked minced mutton), and Goat Paya Nihari (goat feet cooked in an array of spices).

Eisenbergs (4580 Dufferin St.) at Finch and Dufferin is brought  to you by Montrealers who have made Toronto home. The family owned and operated deli-esque eatery is doing their own Jerusalem bagels in-house, alongside paninis, pastries, salads, and smoothies, all inspired by traditional family recipes.

Fall N' Leaves Pop-Up (164 Bathurst St.) - complete with pumpkin patch, partially heated patio, food and wine - is delivering seriously cozy vibes until next Thursday.

Fresh on Eglinton temporarily closed a few weeks back while they prepared to move. Find the healthy chain in their new digs right across the street (101 Eglinton Ave E.).  

If you’re not already a regular at Grape Witches (1247 Dundas St. W.), you should be. Hot tip: Check out the new Salon upstairs.

Holy Cookie has been serving up “Toronto’s finest soft baked cookies” in Kensington all summer. Check out their pop-up this weekend in the same nabe at 4Life Natural Foods (210 Augusta Ave.). Fun Fact: The Crumbs Gourmet Patties Pop-Up at the same location got extended to November. Win-win.

One area that has really transformed in the last few years: Yonge and St. Clair. The latest arrival: Istanbul Doner Wrap (1404 Yonge St.).

Jimmy’s Coffee new Riverside location at Queen and Degrassi (806 Queen St. E.) was formerly home to M'Eat Resto Butcher, which shuttered Fall ’19. Doors open for the local chain on Friday.

Tired of having to fold or roll your own pizza slice? Konz Pizza does heavy lifting with their cone option while also offering pressed and flat varieties, in addition to pastas, poutines and salads. Find the first of three GTA locations at King and Shaw (1029 King St. W.).

China's “biggest halal hand-pulled noodle brand” has landed at Yonge Sheppard Centre (4841 Yonge St,). This marks the third location in the GTA for Omni Palace Noodle House.

Pür & Simple’s expansion has been on a steady climb throughout the pandemic with two in February and one earlier this month. It continues with an outpost opening in Woodbridge (130 Windflower Gate) Tuesday.

I heard about Strange Love Cafe’s plans to open at the base of University (1 University Ave.) years ago. Back when they were Strange Love Coffee. And way before any new mood-enhancing wellness bars adaptogenic mushroom powered drinks were on the scene. Psst. The space finally welcomed guests last week. It turns out they’re just getting started. In the works: NY and LA for 2022.

Super Chicken is adding to the evergrowing fam. Grand opening celebrations for the  new downtown venue (995 Bay St.) include 50 Free Spicy Chicken Sandwiches on Sat and Sun at 2pm (one per person), and a giveaway of  $50 Cash and 1 Free Spicy Sandwich for one lucky winner.

Thai Barn Na Kitchen + Bar has softly opened in Etobicoke (256 Brown’s Line) with vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and certified halal options, house-infused spirits, and not-to-be-missed dishes including Curry Fish Fries.

Tom Yum Restaurant And Wine Bar (21 Grenville St.) is currently in soft opening. On the menu: Asian inspired tapas such as Little Bird's Nest ($16) inspired by Pad Krapow Moo with ground pork, house made purple rice and “pink running egg.” There’s also Roasted Cornish Hen ($28) marinated in house red curry sauce, and a seafood dish that shares its name with Netflix’s fastest growing show ever, Squid Game ($18). 

CLOSED 

Sunday may be the last day for Kekou Gelato’s Queen and Spadina outpost (394 Queen St. W.), but  the North York shop (5359 Yonge St.) will keep you stocked in their signature gelato and bubble tea.

Tapas style bar Kingyo Izakaya in Cabbagetown (51 Winchester St.) is changing things up after Halloween. Will November 1st reveal sister concept, plant-based Tsuchi Café, in its stead?  Stay tuned.

The Simple Kitchen’s last day in Roncy (73 Roncesvalles Ave.) is Saturday, but they’re staying put in Oakville.

Curtain call for Two Hot Babes Coffee Co., that opened inside Wenona Craft Beer Lodge (1069 Bloor St. W.) during the pandemic, is Monday. Owner Nancy hopes her ‘covid survival project’  inspires others to “do the thing.”

EVENTS        

Tomorrow’s the last night for Night Market Toronto’s Harvest Festival at Square One (Lot P6).

Between the midway, inflatable corn maze, and mini putt, kiddos will lose their minds at this weekend’s PumpkinFest Toronto at Downsview Park. 

If you’re of the mind ‘chicken is a bird; fried chicken is a way of life,’ this weekend’s Fried Chicken Fest by Street Eats Market x Scarborough Town Centre, is for you.

Psst. Make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram for pop-up news and exclusive events coverage.

NEWS

Celebrity chef Mark McEwan and his many restaurants and businesses made headlines this week after filing for creditor protection last month.

Fahrenheit Coffee posted a ‘Public Service Announcement’ in light of “recent altercations.”

Convenience stores want to sell local beer, wine and coolers. What say you?

The legendary El Mocambo is finally set to officially reopen on October 30 in its new digs (464 Spadina Ave,) with Toronto’s own Our Lady Peace.

ICYMI

Transgender rights do not get much, if any coverage in mainstream media these days, and zero when it comes to hospitality, so it’s up to individuals to document their experiences. Dento Lam has been chronicling his long and tireless journey on social media for years. A passionate, hard-working baker at top establishments across the city for over a decade including a high-end hotel, buzzy French restaurant, and collaborating with an award-winning patisserie and chocolatier, it’s not until now, at his new place of work Forno Cultura, benefits cover his testosterone injections - an important part of his transition. Prior to this, he paid out of pocket for 9.5 years. Get to know Dento in this week’s captivating At The Pass. Discover the incredible dish he’s making right now, his favourite restaurants (and bakery!) around town, the advice he thankfully didn’t take, and much more in this compelling interview, complete with transgender resources.

Thanksgiving is quickly on the approach. Feeling unprepared? Overwhelmed? Help is here, courtesy of top Toronto chefs, restaurants and shops with tantalizing recipes all week long to get you on track. Kicking things off: Sanagan's Meat Locker Roast Turkey with Stuffing, and Chef Lynn’s Harvest Apple Pie. Stay tuned - exciting new recipes dropping this weekend.

AndIf you haven’t already subscribed to the newsletter, now’s the time. Get The Tip Off, a sneak peek at the upcoming OPEN/CLOSED (Because who doesn’t want to be the first to know? And because you missed what’s replacing an iconic ), and fab deals and special offers from restaurants and local businesses (because who doesn’t want to save money?), all exclusive to subscribers. 

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast - I wrote about +110 new arrivals in September 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. 

Need help promoting your menu/cocktail kits/new location, but you’re on a budget? We can help. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available. BOOK NOW.

Chef Lynn Crawford’s Harvest Apple Pie

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Perhaps you know Celebrity chef Lynn Crawford from her award-winning restaurants (Ruby Watchco, The Hearth at Pearson International Airport Toronto), hit Food Network TV shows (Restaurant Makeover, Pitchin’ In, The Great Canadian Cookbook, Iron Chef Canada), and as a judge on Top Chef Canada, Chopped Canada and appearances on countless other shows.

Or maybe you covet her acclaimed cookbooks: Lynn Crawford’s Pitchin’ In: More Than 100 Great Recipes from Simple Ingredients, At Home with Lynn Crawford: 200 of My Favourite Easy Recipes, Farm to Chef: Cooking Through the Seasons. Her tome Hearth & Home: Cook, Share, and Celebrate Family Style with wife Lora Kirk debuted earlier this week.

In Farm To Chef: Cooking Through The Seasons, she writes:

“I love pie. A good apple pie stuffed with just-picked apples tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar nestled in a buttery crust… oh yes, that’s what I’m talking about. But which apple to choose, you ask? Tart or sweet, or a combination of both - I will leave that decision up to you.”

Pumpkin pie may be stealing the spotlight right now, but with the arrival of cooler weather and apple season in Ontario, it’s the perfect time for a slice of apple pie served on its own, à la mode, with whipped cream or cheese.

Harvest Apple Pie

Ingredients

Pie Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

2 tbsp granulated sugar, plus 1 tbsp for sprinkling on top

1 tsp salt

¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks

¹∕³ cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into chunks

6 to 8 tbsp cold water

1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash

Apple Filling

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

8 tart apples, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

2 tbsp lemon juice

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Make the Pie Dough

In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt, butter, and shortening. Pulse until mixture resembles pea-size crumbles. Add 6 tablespoons water and continue to pulse until dough comes together. Squeeze a small amount of dough between your fingers, and if it is very crumbly, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Do not over-process. Divide dough in half and flatten each half into a disc. Wrap discs in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before using.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out each disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Fold one round into quarters and place dough into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Unfold dough, then press firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to ½ inch over the edge of pie plate. Set aside.

Make The Apple Filling And Bake The Pie

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add apples and lemon juice and toss lightly to coat. Dust apples with flour and toss again. Spoon apple mixture into prepared crust.

Brush edge of bottom crust with some egg wash. Top with the second pastry round and trim edges to about 1 inch over the rim. Tuck edge of the top crust under edge of the bottom crust and crimp both together with your fingers or a fork. Brush entire top crust with egg wash, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Cut three 1-inch slits in top crust. Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling about 1 hour. Let cool completely before serving.

Chef Lynn Crawford’s Harvest Apple Pie is excerpted from FARM TO CHEF: COOKING THROUGH THE SEASONS © 2017 by Lynn Crawford. Photography © 2017 by Virginia Macdonald. Reproduced by permission of Penguin Random House/Penguin Canada. All rights reserved.

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

At The Pass with Dento Lam

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. Introducing Dento Lam.

🕒 5 min read

Currently

Baker, Forno Cultura

Formerly

Hotel X Toronto, Cho-Kwok-Lat, Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie, Brick Street Bakery

Favourite dish to make right now

Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Katsu. Very dangerous as it takes like 30 minutes. Makes a great sandwich on a sesame filoncini! 

Last cookbook purchase

Let’s Make Ramen! A Comic Book Cookbook by Hugh Amano and Sarah Becan. Shockingly good content.

Have you read it/tried any recipes

I read it unintentionally since the artwork drew me in, next thing you know… I have made all parts of ramen including broth, chashu, noodles, marinated eggs and flavoured oils. I then turned them into ramen kits for friends and family!

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

Mint, never liked it.  

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

Korean Rice Dogs… I would like to see so many more types being made and how far people will go with their ideas! 

Who doesn’t love a cronut?

Biggest influences

Christina Tosi, Chad Robertson, and Alton Brown for chefs. My past coworkers who I keep close contact with in the food industry.   

If you could eat at any restaurant in the world

A Japanese conveyor belt sushi restaurant - it's been a dream and a goal for a long while!

Last thing you ate

A burrito from Grillies. They’re open ‘til 4am on the weekends.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

Mayonnaise, eggs (I eat a shocking amount of them), and gochujang.

Guilty pleasure

Coke Zero and La Rocca Caramel Crunch Cake.

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After 9.5 years of taking testosterone - an important part of Dento’s transition - and paying out of his own pocket, work benefits cover them for the first time.

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

Chung Chun Rice Dogs, DZO Vietnamese Eatery, Daldongnae Korean Barbecue

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

The Shameful Tiki Room and Madrina are amazing. And since I don't drink, I would love to include Roselle as a bakery of choice to go to for others!

Go-to drink

N/A

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

The need to be fast… I often get told to SLOW DOWN at work by managers and staff since speed isn't everything.

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

My ability to tackle everything head on with nothing but passion, care for others, and hard work. The people I work with know that when I am in the kitchen, we are in it to win it!  

Hidden talent

I play the Ocarina for fun and only play pop music… So sometimes I jam to Beyoncé and Mariah Carey on my days off.  

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Dento’s croissant lamination game is strong.

Best career advice you ever received

That you don't have to work till you burn out and know your worth.

Worst career advice you ever received

The first head baker I had told me I will regret choosing to be a baker and this is a terrible job. I really can't picture myself doing something else and I love it so much! 

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business

As long as you are enthusiastic to learn and work, the rest will come by easily! Always be ready to go with the flow and adapt with your team as well!  

TRANSGENDER RESOURCES:

Asian Community Aids Services (ACAS) - I went to this organization when I came out and they helped a lot.

The 519 - Local queer community centre.

Trans 101 - The Basics - Video.

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.   

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News September 30-October 6, 2021

Photo courtesy of Fonda Balam.

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

🕒 19.5 min read

After writing hundreds of OPEN/CLOSEDs over the years, and especially the completely bonkers editions during the pandemic  (averaging +110 new arrivals every month), I’m still gobsmacked by the amount of activity happening across the GTA. Fact: This week’s issue containing 29 arrivals and insane amount of closures and events is the longest read to date, so you may have to book off some vacation time to get through it, but it’s worth it. Also, I miss the outdoors. Is it still nice out?

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Calii Love’s midtown location (2131 Yonge St.) was all set to launch last summer, but got pushed back to December, then delayed again this summer. Their new home at Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos nestled next to other eateries and retail: Farm Boy, West Elm, Staples, Hale Coffee, and coming soon: Oretta, marks the fifth location for the healthy brand, though the OG shuttered in June. Festivities kicks off tomorrow at 11am with free salad bowls, poke bowls, and Nava Social coffee (while supplies last) and a $1000 trip to be won. Celebrations run through to Sunday.

U.K. chai and desi street food chain Chaiiwala, began 90 years ago, growing to 42 tea rooms nationwide. The first Canadian outpost has arrived in Scarborough (55 Lebovic Ave, Unit C110), with more on the way. Tuck into an array of items include masala omelette, dal, and their signature Karak Chaii or coffee.

Calling all cookie monsters: Get your fix via Colossal Cookie Co.’s new Pickup Boutique opening inside the historic Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St. W.) tomorrow. Want to reduce your wait time? Place your order online got pick up within 30 minutes or if you’re in the area, scan the QR code in-store.

Korean soju bar Dalbam (640 Church St.) debuts tomorrow. 

Dave’s Hot Chicken launched the first of two locations in Canada this year, both in the 6ix: Parkdale in January and Midtown following in July. The third takes over the former home of Stratengers (1130 Queen St. E.), a Leslieville staple for 32 years before shuttering January 31. The Nashville hot chicken chain’s east end outpost welcomes the public tomorrow.

The seemingly endless menu at Dundas and Ossington’s Dumpling Dumpling (1116 Dundas St. W.) means you’ll never tire of takeout. Szechuan specialties ($11.99-$13.99), seafood options, lunch selections rice and noodle dishes abound. Pro tip: Pick up their frozen dumplings ($13-$15) help reduce meal prep and grocery fatigue. 

Readers of the OPEN/CLOSED were the first to discover the new home of Mexican eatery by chefs Matty Matheson, Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo back in July. This week, TR newsletter subscribers were the first to know Fonda Balam  (802 Dundas St. W.) quietly debuted this weekend. Doors officially opened yesterday. Read more about Kate and Julio in my acclaimed chef series, At The Pass.

Is cold-brew yogurt your new obsession? Likely, with Hi Yogurt (516 Curran Pl.) making their Lactobacillus bulgaricus concoctions with fresh ingredients from a sister co which happens to be an Ontario farm.

imPerfect Fresh Eats debuted a new location just last week. Should you wish for one above Bloor, their outpost between Eglinton and Davisville (2025 Yonge St.) should suit.

You heard it here first: First there was Egg Bae, then Egg Club and Wonder Egg followed. There’s a new Korean egg toast in town: Jjin Toast (792 Bathurst St.) across from Bathurst Station with a focused menu: Bokko Toast ($5.99), Wasa Mayo Crab ($7.99), Ham Cheese ($6.99) and Double Cheese Bacon ($8.99).

La Familgia New York Pizza (2318 Danforth Ave.) has set up shop in the east end smack dab between Woodbine and Main. In addition to an array of Manhattan-style ‘za including selections Shrimp Scampi, Clams Casina, Eggplan Parm, and Philly Cheesesteak. you’ll find Chicago style pies, stuffed rolls, hot and cold subs, pastas, and salads. Sweet: Customers receive 10 per cent off pickup orders. And don’t sleep on this feature: Their website boasts a “reorder” button for those of you who like to keep things on the regular.

Loop Line Wine & Food (643 Dupont St.) has landed at Dupont and Christie. The cozy wine bar’s got a boatload of good wine and nibbles by way of cheese, cured smoked meat and fish, pate, and small veg plates.

Listen up: The next drop of Maharani Ice Cream is Monday. So far, limited-edition flavours of this South Asian frozen dessert line have included Kesar Ras Malai, Rose Falloda, and Chocolate Barfi.

It’s unlikely you’ll forget this name: The Mask Restaurant And Lounge (965 Bloor St. W.) has taken over Disgraceland’s old digs in Bloorcourt.

In addition to the regular menu, Mayas Halal Pizza And Grill (1555 O'Connor Dr.) in East York offers walk-in specials: Large Pizza 3 Toppings, 1 Dipping Sauce ($12,99); Large Pizza 3 Toppings, 10 Chicken Wings, 1 Dipping Sauce ($23.99) and  X-Large Pizza 3 Toppings, 10 Chicken Wings, 2 Dipping Sauces ($28.99).

Have you been keeping up with all the comings and goings of Mean Bao these last few years? An exciting addition just landed in the Financial District in Canada’s tallest office complex, First Canadian Place (100 King St. W., Concourse Level).

New Pie Co. has moved to Liberty Village and offers two new locations for pick-up starting tomorrow: Liberty Village (109 Jefferson Ave.) and Kiss My Pans (569 College St.) that opened in July. Find out more about co-owners Shiela Labao and Miguel Hernandez in At The Pass.

The October 13, 2020 edition of the TR Newsletter included the news of an exciting new opening “Last November, Giulietta’s David Minicucci and Chef Rob Rossi announced L’Unità’s final day would be New Year’s Eve, with their new concept taking over Spring 2020.” Osteria Giulia (134 Avenue Rd) was supposed the launch the following month, but of course like everything else, the pandemic delayed things. The wait is finally over: Reservations open Monday. 

Pegrolls - aka the why-didn’t-I-think-of-this-genius-move spring rolls with pierogi filling - are back at The District Kitchen in Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) for a quick pop-up this weekend.

Peter Pan (373 Queen St. W.) was one of the many restaurants that converted much of its space to a bottle shop and to-go operation with prepared foods and pantry items during the pandemic. Owner/chef Noah Goldberg took to the idea, expanding his offerings right next door. Peter Pantry (371 Queen St. W.) is part retail shop, and part dining destination for coffee, lunch, dinner and/or drinks. Menu standouts: Foie Gras & Brioche ($18), Avonlea Cheddar Welsh Rarebit ($14), Salmon Tartine ($14), Veal Tonnato ($20), Filet-O-Face (pig-head terrine, lettuce and sauce gribiche, $12).

Other outlets may be bigger (they all are: Toronto Restaurants is a one-person operation), but no one’s got their finger on the pulse like this (it’s sticky with wing sauce, but still). Last week I gave you the scoop on Piccolo Piano Pizzeria (89 Harbord St.). Doors open today. 

Atiq Ahmed is not a chef, but spent seven years in Japan before returning to Toronto to work in corporate training and FOH hospitality: five years at MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment), followed by stints at Hibachi Teppanyaki in Burlington and Aburi Hana in Yorkville. Wanting to bring something authentic from his travels in Japan to Canada, he’s settled on yakitori, “One of my first experiences in Japan,” he tells me in a phone interview. “I probably went once a week.” The pandemic allowed Ahmed, a self-described “amateur cook at home” to try and recreate the typically two-to-three hour intimate mindful dining experience. He “spent 12-18 months researching and creating the menu.” The premium 13-course menu is a three-to-four hour in-home dining experience for a minimum of four guests. Satori Yakitori debuts tomorrow. 

Sisaket Thai Kitchen (1466 Kingston Rd.) has moved into Jatujak’s old Scarborough digs. Despite sharing similarities – Lemongrass Soup, Pad Thai, Pineapple Fried Rice, array of curries – the new arrival offers specialities of its very own: Panko Crusted Tofu Wedges, Squash & Zucchini Battered Cakes, Vegetable King Mushroom Salad, Wok Fried Chichen And Long Bean Curry. 

Earlier this month, TR Newsletter subscribers got the scoop on two powerhouses joining forces: Major Treat Coffee has set up shop within wood-fired Bosnian bread destination Somun Superstar (997 Kingston Rd.). Doors softly opened Sunday, complete with custom pastries.

Toronto’s Historic Distillery District is keeping true to its name with  the arrival of SpiritHouse (16 Trinity St.) which has a long history in the city (Remember when it was on Adelaide near King and Portland?) The whisky and cocktail bar returns with craft cocktails, whisky flights and food menu.

Pomegranate juice bar Tochal (1269 Dundas St. W.) brings its antioxidant and vitamin C packed juices and smoothies to Dundas and Dovercourt.

Tru Tea and I go back a long time: September 2019, in fact. Since then, there have been a flurry of openings. Including today’s new shop in Etobicoke (2348A Lake Shore Blvd. W.). p.s. Starting at 1pm, enjoy 20 per cent off all drinks⁠. Tomorrow and Saturday, buy any drink and get a free regular size Double Roasted Milk Tea with tapioca. On Sunday, the first 50 customers receive a free regular size Creme de la Crème.

After launching not one, but two locations this summer, Village Juicery is back at it with a new location east side. The Danforth shop (598 Danforth Ave.) replacing neighbourhood staple Athena Bakery, kicks off grand opening festivities this Saturday with smoothie samples⁠⁠, Tori's Bakeshop donuts, build your own kombucha, free boozy bevvies, and goodie bags to gift to a friend⁠.

Starting out as a ghost kitchen, 6ix Pizzas (638 Queen St. W.) s has gone the brick-and-mortar route, taking over former home of Smoke Bar and Kitchen and Lisa Marie prior to that. The halal pizza joint near Palmerston on Queen also does wings, Philly Cheesesteak and desserts.

CLOSED

I introduced you to Janrikk Millan’s JABS (Just Another Burger Spot) in April. The pop-up may have ended, but exciting things are in the works. Keep your eyes locked here.

Saturday is the last day to get in on the Cold Tea x Labora Pop-Up (1186 Queen St. W.)

First Choice Restaurant (1116 Dundas St. W.) has been replaced. See above for details.

Good Behaviour Ice Cream’s pop-up at Morellina's 146 Christie St.) ends Sunday. Visit their permanent home at  Artisan Factory (342 Westmoreland Ave. N.).

The Good Goods may be concluding their pop-up at Upper East Food Club tonight, but they’ll be back at it at Hippie Market (1200 Dundas St. W.) tomorrow from 5-11pm.

La Familgia New York Pizza has moved on from their East York location (1555 O'Connor Dr.) for a spot just south of the original. See above for details.

Nana Coffee & Tea arrived at the corner of Jarvis and Dundas (198 Jarvis St.) last summer.

Rudy’s Queen West location (69 Duncan St.) is temporarily closed due to a fire last weekend. According to CP24, “The blaze started from the restaurant's deep fryer.” No injuries have been reported.

Chefs David Schwartz, Braden Chong and Keith Siu launched Sunny’s Chinese, their regional Chinese food pop-up during the pandemic. It quickly became one of the year’s biggest successes. Now that the pop-up’s concluded, find out what’s next for this culinary dream team.

Vanta Coffee Club & Eatery said goodbye to their location of five years - 2101 Brimley Rd, Unit 111 in Scarborough. But it turns out, they’ve got another in the works. Stay tuned.

CHANGES 

Over the last two years, Kibo Sushi House has been rapidly expanding across the GTA. This time, they’ve simply moved a few blocks from 399 Old Orchard Grove to 1930 Avenue Rd.

EVENTS

Forever Fest is a free all-Canadian 3-day event featuring all-Canadian food, drinks and music taking place this weekend at Maple Leaf Forever Park. Transforming over 40,000 sq ft. the 30+ vendor festival will support Indigenous charity Legacy of Hope Foundation in support of Residential School Survivors.

If you read last week’s edition, you’ll be in on The Burger Bros latest opening. To celebrate the grand opening the first 100 customers tomorrow receive a free cheeseburger. Doors open at 11:30am.

Toronto Food Film Fest kicks off tomorrow.

Markham Fair, Canada's largest four-day agricultural fair, returns this weekend.

Knock at 46 Ossington is on until Sunday. The limited-time pop up sampling event by Innis & Gunn allows guests to sample their flagship brew.

You’ve got until Wednesday to get in on the fun at Night Market Toronto’s Harvest Festival at Square One (Lot P6).

This is the last weekend for The City of Toronto’s DineTOgether program. 

NEWS

Choosing to welcome all guests, the owners of Oakville restaurant Zuccinis Cucina are allowing non-vaccinated customers.

A number of Toronto establishments have closed indoor dining due to proof-of-vaccination requirements including The Goods and the St. Lawrence Market, while others are currently not accepting medical exemptions including Bistro on Avenue and Farside. Some businesses are requiring proof of vaccination for patios including Godspeed Brewery and Osteria Rialto.

Shopping at the mall? Bring your ID and proof of vaccination if you want to dine. Shopping centres have security guards stationed by food courts to check identification and proof of vaccination prior to dining indoors. 

Toronto made Forbes ‘Best Chinatowns Around the World’ List.

Fast food chains in Canada are pulling out all the insane stops this week: KFC is bringing back The Double Down Sandwich, Wendy’s is giving away phones, and Tim Hortons dropped mere yesterday - Double Double Collection - that’s already sold out.

Does newly minted vegan restaurant Eleven Madison Park have a secret meat menu?

ICYMI

Get the scoop on Sunny’s Chinese and MIMI Chinese Restaurant now.

The pandemic enabled a multitude of chefs to launch new projects, product lines, and in many cases, their first solo venture. It turns out, a myriad of FOH staff - bartenders, GMs, servers - followed suit. Meet James Pottie, a server at Toronto’s buzziest chicken joint Bernhardts and creator of Juicy J’s Creamy Scoops - this summer’s most fascinating ice cream.

p.s. If you haven’t already subscribed to the newsletter, now’s the time. Get The Tip Off, a sneak peek at the upcoming Open/Closed (because who doesn’t want to be the first to know?), and fab deals and special offers from restaurants and local businesses (because who doesn’t want to save money?), all exclusive to subscribers.  

NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY

A number of businesses are donating a portion of sales to charities and organizations to honour those impacted, including small businesses including Glory Hole Donuts, Little Sister Baking, One Night Only Pizza, Tori’s Bakeshop, Union Restaurant and large chains such as Tim Hortons.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast - I wrote about +110 new arrivals in August 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.

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

Sunny’s Chinese is launching two new ventures, this time brick-and-mortar destinations

Sunny’s Chinese Shaanxi-Inspired Menu April 2021: Lamb Ribs, Charred Cabbage, Fresh Belt Noodle, Smacked Cucumber Salad, Beef and Chive Dumpling, Steamed Jasmine Rice.

🕒 5 min read

Pop-ups and ghost kitchens dominated the industry throughout the pandemic, but one outfit immediately stood out from the crowd for its authenticity, transparency, and polished execution.

Sunny’s Chinese by chefs David Schwartz, Braden Chong, and Keith Siu was always meant to be a full-on restaurant. Curtailed by the global crisis, the pop-up iteration offering carefully curated menus featuring Chinese regional dishes launched in November.

The undertaking could have resulted, like many other chef-driven projects during this time, in a reasonably successful endeavour. Instead, the talented trio created such exquisite fare, it didn’t matter if you were eating it on a paper plate in your bathrobe on the couch, the result: a fine dining experience start-to-finish, boasting dishes punctuated with bold, elevated flavours and mesmerizing textures. An experience that was also remarkable as it was available exclusively to select newsletter subscribers for preorder pickup at Avenue Road and Davenport, and required heating (instructions were provided) unless you lived nearby.

All this, paired with deeply researched notes about the influence of other cultures on the region and its food, and history and geography of the region you were about to get a taste of (included on Instagram and a richly illustrated hard copy information card tucked in with the fastidiously packed to-go containers), led to menus selling out within minutes. At first, it was more of an industry “if-you-know-you-know” secret, before exploding in popularity - currently at 13.5k followers on Instagram, with a staggering amount of newsletter subscribers vying for a shot at the city’s best takeout.

The nondescript spot for Sunny’s Chinese pop-up pre-order pickup: a parking lot on Davenport. The new location is just as inconspicuous.

These days, you only have to utter ‘fresh belt noodle,’ ‘smacked cucumber salad,’ or ‘charred cabbage,’ and the majority of local food obsessives know who you’re talking about. Now when a menu drops, it’s not only a frenzy to get your order in, it’s a status symbol - you’re one of the chosen few to line up in the nondescript parking lot for your meal - one that is further solidified with a post (or six) on Insta.

Thus, the level of excitement and anticipation of not only one, but two new ventures, this time brick-and-mortar endeavours from the Toronto-based regional Chinese restaurant, is palpable. 

COMING SOON

Sunny’s Chinese Kensington
60 Kensington Ave.

The exceptional takeout operation has been put on hold to focus on setting up in an equally inconspicuous location: In Kensington Market where Cold Tea, one of the city’s top bars, reigned for a decade.

The new digs, set to launch Spring 2022, will put the spotlight on wok and charcoal-grilled fare, with tipples by way of natural wines and beer slushies.

MIMI Chinese Restaurant
265 Davenport Rd.

The project, in the works for two-and-a-half years, while remaining focused on regional Chinese cuisine, this time round will concentrate on southern Chinese ingredients and dishes, alongside an array of hand-selected wine, sake, and cocktails.

MIMI is also taking over a former destination: the ground level of 265 Davenport where chef Massimo Capra’s Mistura debuted in 1997, white tablecloths and all, before shuttering in late 2019. Fun fact: Sunny’s has been operating the pop-up out of the Mistura kitchen since last year.

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Previously, the only way to secure a Sunny’s Chinese order: subscribe to the newsletter and place your order the second the menu dropped.

The company started out small – three chefs, with a few folks in front and back of house – but like its throng of fans, has since grown. Executive chef David Schwartz, executive sous chef Braden Chong, senior sous chef Joseph Ysmael, junior sous chef Keith Siu, and Peter Nguyen and Michael Ovejas make up the kitchen team. Newly appointed GM Anthony Yeung and Mica White (who was the entire front of house during the pop-up) are also joining the service team at MIMI.

Psst. Reservations for MIMI open in the next two weeks. The best way to stay in the know? Follow @mimichinese, @sunnyschinese, and keep your eyes locked on Toronto Restaurants iconic OPEN/CLOSED, the most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings, news and events in the GTA.

Read about Chef Bradon Chong of Sunny’s Chinese in the acclaimed chef series, At The Pass.

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

Photos by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.