Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 42
August 20, 2020
Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News August 20-26, 2020
Pandemic be damned: 25 arrivals this week, 95 this month so far, and it’s not close to over. I can only imagine what’s in store for the next 11 days.
In the meantime, you’ve got a lot of restos, bars, cafes, bakeries, shops, patios, and drag brunches to get to.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Let’s face it, our junk food cravings shot waaay up during the pandemic. One way to get back on track: acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee), a superfood from Central and South American rainforests. Lucky for you, Midtown’s Açai Concept (2039 Yonge St.) has it by the gallon. Doors opened Saturday.
Bernhardt’s (202 Dovercourt Rd.) transformed Julie’s Snack Bar into a sweet spot for chicken, veg, wine and soft serve.
Gather your brew crew: Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery debuted earlier today at Mississauga’s Heartland Towne Centre (5860 Mavis Rd.).
Bobjo Express (3423 Lakeshore Blvd.) in Etobicoke solves the never-ending WFH mealtime dilemma with their bento boxes, poke bowls, soon tofu, and udon.
Not only is Bobooya (4850 Yonge St.) fun to say, the North York covers all your jokbal/bossam/cold noodle/soju needs simultaneously.
Summer 2020 will be remembered for a lot of things. New enticing, beachy patios we couldn’t get to fast enough, for one. Leave it to Paris Paris and Camp 4 to create the dreamy escape of The Caddi (1296 Queen St. W.). See you there.
Cheese Garden’s grand opening of their Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St, Level 1, Unit H017) spot near the fountain takes place this weekend with a BOGO event.
In the mood for Radish Soup ($3.99), Thai Style Chicken Feet ($7.00), Pig Trtoters with Rice ($12.99), or Beef Entrails with Pork Blood ($14.99)? Head to Choi Kee Chinese Cuisine (16025 Bayview Ave., Unit C6).
Clinton’s (693 Bloor St. W.) - est. 1937 - shuttered just prior to COVID. The Koreatown bar has re-opened under new management.
Corbin Market (1559 Kingston Rd.) by chef Corbin Tomaszeski offers grab and go items, heat and eat meals, ready for the grill ingredients, soups salads, snacks, desserts, and baskets ($200 ea.) full of goodies.
Visit La Sirena Espresso Bar & Gelato in Etobicoke (300 Manitoba St.) and The Beach (1918A Queen St. E.) for gelato, paninis, bomba, cannoli, and pizza biscotti. That’s right. Pizza biscotti.
Neighbourhood café, grocery and bar Manita (210 Ossington Ave.) by the folks behind Grand Electric (1330 Queen St. W.) opens today.
Vietnamese coffee house The Oats Kafé (31 Phipps St., Unit 2) at Bay and Wellesley offers an array of items including iced matcha lattes, fresh pressed juices, banh mi, and chia pudding.
Despite the name - Onion Ring Fries Factory (2162 Danforth Ave.) - onion rings aren’t really the focus here. There’s everything from spaghetti, bucket of beer battered chicken legs, animal fries poutine, and “fried fresh milk” for dessert. Find them at Danforth and Woodbine near the Value Village.
Pabalos Island Pies is popping up at Wallflower (1665 Dundas St. W.) this weekend with their island pan pizzas. Pro tip: Pre-order to make sure you don’t miss out.
It’s got to be said. Mississauga’s Palm Bites (500 Meadowpine Blvd,, Unit 6) gives new meaning to ‘date night.’
Riptide Beach Pub (1980 Queen St. E.) replaces longtime Beach occupant Salty Dog Bar & Grill (hand up if you remember their sister spot across the street, Peppery Cat?).
Got a hankerin’ for real-deal Montreal smoked meat, but not up for the road trip? Rock'N Deli’s (5101 Dixie Rd.) third spot in the GTA just landed in Mississauga.
Samoon Resto & Lounge (845 Lakeshore Rd. E.), also in ‘Sauga, is serving up everything from shawarma sandos to banana split waffle cups.
Pop-up restaurant/patio Sky Flower (292 College St.) at College and Spadina boasts a view of the skyline and menu designed by chef Eric Chong (R&D).
Stock T.C (2388 Yonge St.) by holy trinity Terroni, Cumbrae’s, and Sud Forno, introduces The Grocer to Midtown on Saturday.
Trius + Aim’s Daniel Annsu and Irina Nikolova lost their bistro on Brown’s Line in May. Catch them at The Studio Paint Bar (80 Port St. E., Unit C2) in Port Credit this weekend.
T&C Restaurant (124 Chestnut St.) took over Pho Orchid’s old spot near City Hall. On the menu: Vietnamese and Thai fare.
6IX Shoppe (3274 Lakeshore Blvd. W.) is a variety store, café, and ice cream shop in one. p.s. Mayo lovers, take note.
CLOSED
Camp 4 may have closed one chapter, but as you’ll see above, they’re already onto new amazing things.
The Annex location of Japanese curry house Gyugyuya (402 Bloor St. W.) has been leased already.
There aren’t nearly enough fish and chip restos in the city. So losing one of the very few, such as Mike’s Fish & Chips (2162 Danforth Ave.), is a damn shame.
Tacorrito (556 Church St.) is closed after failing a Public Health Inspection on August 17.
One of the city’s best restaurants, Woodlot (293 Palmerston Ave.) has shuttered. Harry’s Charbroiled has taken over the spot.
EVENTS
CNE at Home kicks off tomorrow.
The Holy Grill and Iqbal Kebab & Sweets Centre (2 Thorncliffe Park Dr., Unit 10) come together Friday 11am-6pm or until they sell out.
Get off the couch and get yourself to this weekend’s Drag Queen Brunch & BBQ at Kiss Me Ice Cream Patio & Market.
Mark your calendar: The second instalment of the Black Foodie Picnic Day series is happening Saturday.
Uncle Mikey’s (1597 Dundas St. W.) has transformed from small resto to bodega, and they’re throwing a quiet, social distanced bash to celebrate on Saturday.
Riverside Eats goes virtual on Wednesday.
Café Boulud’s Le Choix des Chefs Dinner features chef Nicholas Trosien and guest chef Adrian Forte. Proceeds will directly benefit Olympia’s Gift Scholarship Fund - a Toronto-based charity dedicated to supporting the education of students of African descent enrolled in post-secondary business or entrepreneurship programs.
STC x Street Eats Summer MRKT Series continues with FLAVOURS: A FILIPINO STREET MRKT this weekend.
NEWS
Facedrive Foods is coming to the 6ix and Scarborough. Stay tuned.
While Calgary has been buffeting it up, Mandarin is changing how they do things. The letter doesn’t address whether the koi pond’s still in action, so there’s that.
ICYMI
Discover why, the restaurants making the switch to no tipping - and the switch back, and much more in this deep dive about tipping in Toronto.
It’s been a long week. Time for a cocktail. This one from Aloette is calling your name.
———
Things change quickly these days. To keep up to date, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Need help to spread the word about your business? Get in touch.
August 18, 2020
August 13, 2020
August 12, 2020
At The Pass with Jess Maiorano
Chef Jess Maiorano and Murray at home.
August 6, 2020
Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News August 6-12, 2020
In addition to the onslaught of arrivals this week, I’m still catching up on the backlog of places that opened during the first weeks/months of the pandemic. It’s going to take a while to sift through all of this.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Annex Social Toronto (1078 Bathurst St.), a “neighbourhood social house,” has moved into the former Mayday Malone’s with Cal-Mex fare. Which is what exactly, you ask? Mexican Street Corn ($6), Lime Chimichurri Corn Salad ($16), and Cheese Crusted Burrito ($16-$18), alongside Cheese Smash Burgers ($10), Fried Chicken (sando $12, 2 pc $22), and Margherita Pizza ($14), for starters.
Sourdough devotees, head to Christie Pits’ latest arrival, micro-bakery/restaurant Ba Noi (806 Bloor St. W.), for all your bread and baked goods needs. That baguette lamp, tho.
Bar Karma (512 Queen St. W.) between Bathurst and Spadina boasts two floors of patios: street level open now, with the second floor opening tomorrow. Inside, the main floor bar is ready and waiting for you.
Cafe Landwer’s forth outpost landed in North York (5000 Yonge St.).
Chuan Noodle (487 Bloor St. W.) took over HuaJia Rice Noodle’s old spot in the Annex.
Plant-based chain Copper Branch added to its lengthy roster with an eatery in Oakville (217 Hays Blvd.).
The menu at JC’s Grill House newest satellite in Scarborough (1686 Ellesmere Rd.) offers a little bit of everything: French Onion Soup ($7), Fish & Chips ($18), Fried Rice ($14), Liver & Onions ($16), NY Steak (12oz, $40). But it’s the Sri Lankan specialties that pop: Weekend Banana Leaf lunch specials including Jaffna Crab, Mutton and Fish Curries ($12 ea.); and Hoppers ($12) available Fridays 5pm-8pm.
Mark's Pizzas (371 Kingston Rd., Unit A). Two words: Hidden gem.
The Convenience patio (1184 Queen St. W.) has transformed into pop-up resto Miss Likklemores (1184 Queen St. W.), complete with spicy wings and breadfruit, curry chana, jerk chicken, macaroni pie, and signature cocktails.
Moto Via, known for its pizzas and pastas, set up shop in North York (1775 Avenue Rd.).
Coffee or beer? No need to choose anymore. Danforth stalwart The Only Café (966 Danforth Ave.) added an Espresso Bar (962 Danforth Ave.) right next door.
Pisac Peruvian Bistro (16 Dupont St.) is perfect for hot-weather piscos and ceviche, but offers bigger, heartier fare (braised duck leg, whole Sea Bream) too.
Hot tip: Roji Monster Ice Cream (30 South Unionville Ave., Unit 1) debuts tomorrow in Markham.
Fruit pie is fine, but Sharman's Proper Pies (1972 Danforth Ave.) specializes in the savoury variety like Balti, Tourtiere, Steak, Chicken Pot, etc.
Siri Kitchen (808 College St.), across from Bar Isabel, launched with a focused menu of finger foods, soups, and mains including Drunken Spaghetti ($12-99-$15.99), Pad Ka Pow ($12-99-$15.99) and Nam Prik Ong ($12-99-$15.99). To celebrate their grand opening, enjoy 25 per cent off when picking up your order until August 31.
ISO small-batch craft popsicles? Soul Provisions (571 Vaughan Rd.) in Oakwood Village has got you.
The grand opening of Stuffies Pastries at Square One (100 City Center Dr.) is happening Saturday. No doubt there will be lineups for their “Stuffies,” “Crotai,” and Taiyaki soft serve. Stay tuned: Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.) is next.
Taco Beach debuted yesterday at The Last Resort (146 Ossington Ave.) patio and bottle shop.
Famed Taro's Fish debuted their second store in Markham (735 Markland St.) in June.
Vegan cheese shop Wandering Deli (1598 King St. W.) calls Parkdale home now.
CLOSED
Friday was the last day for Burgatory (719 College St.).
Butter Chicken Roti has one less location (398 College St.).
Chatime Innovation Bar (626 Yonge St.) is on the move as of Monday. Stay tuned.
East Chinatown just lost Elvy and Flo (713 Gerrard St. E.).
Hollandaise Diner (2231 Danforth Ave.) is sticking it out, but only until October.
Mayday (Mayday) Malone’s Pub & Ristorante (1078 Bathurst St.) has already been replaced. See above.
The only Canadian outpost of Taiyaki NYC (128 Dundas St. W.) shuttered Friday.
The White Brick Kitchen (641 Bloor St. W.) called it after eight years.
NEWS
Attention restaurant, bar and café owners: Applications for the CaféTO patio program are being accepted until Tuesday at noon.
Contact tracing in restaurants is problematic.
Dining out in Stage 3 includes a few new protocols. Find out what to expect on your next outing.
Meet Ivan H. Kuuts, CDC of Sugo and Conzo’s, in this week’s At The Pass.
---
Things change quickly these days. To keep up to date follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Need help to spread the word about your business? Get in touch.
August 5, 2020
July 31, 2020
July 30, 2020
July 29, 2020
COVID-19: Restaurants, bars permitted to reopen dining rooms as Toronto moves to Stage 3
Premier Doug Ford announced earlier today that Toronto and Peel Region can move to Stage 3 later this week.
As part of the framework for reopening the province, Toronto restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments are permitted to reopen indoor seating and dining rooms beginning Friday, July 31, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
Toronto Public Health and Peel Public Health regions join the 31 other public health regions that entered Stage 3 on July 17 and 24. Windsor-Essex region is to remain in Stage 2 for now.
Toronto moved to Stage 2 on June 24, which allowed the addition of patio dining and included the launch of CaféTO, a program allowing approved establishments to install or expand sidewalk and curb lane cafes.
Hospitality workers and customers have had to face numerous challenges and risks over the last four months due to the global pandemic. Stage 3 presents additional hurdles for both.
New rules for dining in
If you decide to dine inside a restaurant, you’ll notice things look quite different this time around. Expect “at least two metres between patrons from different tables.” That is, unless there’s an impermeable barrier such as Plexiglas separating you and the neighbouring table. And as per the new regulations, “All patrons must be seated when eating or drinking at the establishment.”
Entertainment restrictions have loosened somewhat: “Singing or music may be performed by a person or group at the restaurant or bar, with restrictions, including barriers between the performers and patrons and physical distancing.” Dancing, however, “may only be performed by someone working at the establishment with restrictions.
Whether you’re heading out to a bar, restaurant, food court, concession stand, food truck, or wine tasting, two metres between patrons from different households or social circles is to be adhered to.
Buffet and karaoke lovers, you’re going to have to wait a while longer, as these services are still off limits.
More changes needed
In today’s news release, Premier Ford said, "While more restaurants, theatres and businesses can hang up their Open for Business sign, we're asking everyone to follow public health advice and act responsibly.”
This decision to move to Stage 3 was made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local medical officers. It’s based on “positive local trends of key public health indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, ongoing hospital capacity, public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, and a significant increase in testing.”
Mayor John Tory wants more. He has asked for six additional safety measures and protocols to be put in place regarding bars and restaurants, including mandatory face coverings for staff and patrons, COVID-19 screening protocols for staff, and required customer log containing contact details for possible follow-up.
Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, stated in the release, "No matter which stage a region is in, everyone needs to continue to follow public health advice to protect themselves, their families and community."
———
Stay tuned. Updates on newly opened dining rooms and other Stage 3 news on the way. To keep up to date, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter.
July 25, 2020
At The Pass with John-Francis Dugas and Chris Samaroo
Left: Chef John-Francis Dugas. Right: Chef Chris Samaroo.
