Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 50

At the Table with Cartel Madras

Cartel Madras doesn’t pull any punches. The rap duo’s quick-fire lyrics over addictive bhangra beats are filled with as many references to sex, drugs, and guns as their male counterparts.  

Chennai-born, Calgary-raised siblings Bhagya (aka Eboshi) and Priya (aka Contra) Ramesh’s riotous shows and energetic, electric, unapologetic, dripping with expletives tracks, have garnered legions of fans, while unabashedly carving out space for immigrants, women of colour, Desi, and LGBTQ+ like themselves.

Their Goonda rap - a scorching elixir of trap, house and gangsta rap – has earned them big ups and coveted spots opening for heavyweights including Fetty Wap and Clipping.

Sub Pop EP Age Of The Goonda, boasting hypnotic earworms such as “Goonda Gold,” just dropped in November, but they’re already hard at work on an upcoming project.

The sibs recently relocated to Toronto and it turns out, they’re as passionate about food as they are about music.

Occupation

Rappers

Place of Residence

Toronto

The last thing you ate

Eboshi: Eggs benny with hash browns and coffee.

Contra: Madras chicken curry with jasmine rice.

If you were left to your own devices to make something at home, what would it likely be? 

E: Ground pork burrito with onions, tomatoes, scotch bonnet, and too much hot sauce and cheese 

C: If I was feeling gluttonous, I would make myself a coriander chicken stew, but usually I am making myself a wrap.

When staying at a hotel, what are you raiding from the mini fridge?

E: We tend to stay at hotels when we are touring, so probably Red Bull.

C: To be completely honest ,hotel mini fridges never have what I want.

Guilty pleasure

E: Extra buttery popcorn. Sometimes I go to the theatre just to get movie theatre popcorn with extra, layered, buttered popcorn.

C: Oxtail stew, the Jamaican kind. Tim's Potato Chips, Jalapeno flavour - This is only available in the US, so I am forced to stock up whenever I visit Seattle, like a maniac. And nachos.

Drink of choice

E: Dirty Gin Martini with an olive.

C: Paper Plane, on the rocks.

Favourite meal meal of the day and why

E: I like breakfast, I love breakfast food. Probably an offshoot of loving hardboiled detective tropes. I get excited when I smell bacon, or sausages. Toast is the best in the morning. I love trying breakfast classics at local diners and having an endless cup of mediocre coffee.

Or Happy Hour.

C: I really like an incredible dinner. I like having delicious food with a cocktail. I like thinking of food as something I can share with a group of people. I like that dinner can lead to more conversations and extend the time people spend together.

Favourite cookbooks to use 

E: I tend to use the internet when cooking, because there are so many resources and personalized recipes that cater to every level:

Google - I am such a novice when it comes to cooking that I have several tabs open for every dish and every step.

YouTube - Chef John of Food Wishes has the most comforting voice in all of YouTube food. Watching his videos feels like a warm hug. Mandy of Souped Up Recipes is one of my favourite YouTubers. She has such a lovely way of explaining her recipes and is a delight to watch. Internet Shaquille is one YouTube channel that has “empowered” me in the kitchen. Really charming screen presence with non-intimidating culinary suggestions.  

C: I spend almost all my time on the internet watching people cook. This is my secret. It is deeply cathartic, and in my alternate reality I am the head chef of a hilarious restaurant that is a mishmash of Tamil/Malayali street food, but also a dive bar?

So, with that said, my favourite cookbooks have been YouTube channels: Maangchi, Manjula’s Kitchen, an endless loop of Bon Appétit videos, Food Wishes, Rick Stein's Food Docs, grainy uploads of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations (also on Hulu). For actual cookbooks, I’ve been warming up to Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family by Priya Krishna.  I love the Momofuku cookbook by David Chang and Peter Meehan, and also Alison Roman’s Dining In.

Favourite cookbooks just to look at

E: Hedgebrook Cookbook: Celebrating Radical Hospitality by Denise Barr and Julie Rosten. When we were invited to participate in the Hedgebrook Songwriter’s Residency in February 2019, we had no idea what a culinary adventure it would be. We got to spend all our time in individual cottages only convening at the farmhouse to have dinner with the other artists on the retreat. Dinner would be freshly prepared every day, and you would bring a basket full of empty jars to take your breakfast and lunch to your cottage for the next day.

The food and experience was incredible; local ingredients from the Hedgebrook farm and Whidbey Island and the comforting touch of a loving chef chatting with you throughout dinner while the fireplace roars in the adjacent library.  We would always arrive at the farmhouse in awe of the food that was prepared for us - a part of the “radical hospitality” Hedgebrook prides itself in. After dinner we would always gaze into the Hedgebrook Cookbook to see what would possibly be served the next day.

C: All of the Forest Feast cookbooks by Erin Gleeson!!! Tiffin: 500 Authentic Recipes Celebrating India's Regional Cuisine edited by Sonal Ved, and The Food Lab by J. Kenji López-Alt.

Three items that are always in your fridge

E: Eggs, Beer, and Cheese.

C: Mushrooms, Garlic, and Eggs.

Top three Toronto restaurants

E: This might be hilarious, but I love Fran’s Restaurant and Bar. When we first moved here in the summer, we lived really close to the College Street location, and I kept making my friends come with me. I really love a place that has good diner classics 24/7 -  for the amount of times I’ve been there so far, I have no complaints. The Shore Leave might not count because it is a bar, but I had one of the most fabulous cocktails there. On Church St, close to Boutique Bar and Black Eagle, there’s a pizza place that might just be called Pizza or Express Pizza (Ed note: It is Express Pizza – 447 Church St.). Everyone in that area was really talking up North of Brooklyn, which was great, but this nondescript pizza place was incredible.

C: OKAYYYYYYYY, I have so many to put on this list, but at the very top is obviously Pai, then Maha’s, and this is more GTA, but Anjappar in Scarborough. 

Go-to food and bev order at a restaurant

E: Can’t go wrong with a cheeseburger and an IPA. If the place looks promising, fish and chips.

C: Fries, and if they don’t have a cocktail list, an Old Fashioned.

Would you rather – Go to farmers’ market/nearest pub/food truck?

E: Nearest pub for a pint.

C: Farmers’ market.

Describe your kitchen

E: Usually, kind of messy and unattended to as I don’t cook very much. But of late, it’s in pretty good shape. I’m making a concerted effort to improve my skills and learn the basics and that has translated into me being much more mindful of how it looks when I enter and leave it. However, I am yet to master the art of keeping the kitchen in order while cooking - it’s a chaotic mess during the process.  

C: My kitchen is organized to only reflect my own sensibilities - it has a lot of spices and a lot of teas. I like to keep my kitchen very clean, but my life usually involves several other people passing through my apartment, so it is almost always messier than I’d like it to be. I like my kitchen brightly lit with a lot of fresh vegetables.

Describe your cooking style

E: Untethered and highly amateur.

C: Veering through ambitious, anxious, frantic, fragrant.

Ideal food day: from the time you wake up until bed, what are you having?

E: This would be my dream food day full of gluttony and joy. It would probably end either with me passing out from exhaustion or a very bad stomach ache, and it would go as follows:

Wake up to light roast black coffee. Breakfast would include more of the same coffee, blueberry waffles with syrup, gravlax bagel with cream cheese and capers. If I’m up to it, I’ll have a sunny-side-up egg with rye toast with butter. I’d keep re-upping the coffee until lunch. Lunch would include beer-battered fish and chips with a blonde ale. Probably have to nap after that. Dinner would be a rare sirloin steak. Dessert would be blueberry cheesecake and then I would probably combust.

If I could eternally eat into the night, I would keep it going with classic al pastor tacos and cerveza.

If this day were to include sashimi, I would have to start with a totally different menu. Indian food day? Don’t even get me started, I might cry.

C: Okay, ‘ideal’ is a really loose word. Ideal fantasy? Or Ideal healthy? Two entirely different ends of the food spectrum.

My ideal fantasy food day is me eating three different Indian regional cuisines from morning till night. This would entirely lead to me being unable to move for the next few days. My lactose intolerance would also render me ill. I want a Tamil breakfast, a Malayali lunch, and a Rajastani dinner. I want black coffee four times a day. I want no desert, because I don’t care for it (unless someone were to magically make a tres leches cake or a Biscoff Shake). I want Mosambi juice as an in-between meal snack, and also tacos from Kensington Market.

I apologize if my food fantasy day leaves you shook - you asked for it.

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News February 20-26, 2020

As you may know, I prefer my Open/Closed to be wild and assorted. Too many of the same dishes and I get bored. So this week’s all-over-the-place findings – 10 spots spread across the GTA offering a little bit of everything – is just what I need come mid-February.

The drama of the first one however, not so much.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Get ready for this doozy: Vegandale Brewery (1346 Queen St. W.) is now Bar Vegandale, which has moved across the street (1265 Queen St. W.) into the previous home of Mythology Diner and the recent revamp, Mythology “elevated.” The new bar is serving food by Doomie’s, a now-shuttered vegan restaurant known for its “Vegan Big Mac” and other plant-based fast food knockoffs, that was next door (1263 Queen St. W.) to Mythology. And they’re all owned by the same Vegandale company, The 5700 Inc.

Cafe Landwer continues its expansion across the GTA. The all-day spot just touched down in Nortown (1912 Avenue Rd.). Next up: North York.

Cheese Garden kicked off their Celebration Pop Up at Saks Fifth Avenue (176 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.) yesterday. On until March 31st, the Japanese cheesecake pop-up won’t be gone long before their permanent spot arrives at the Eaton Centre come April.

Cheers! Cocktail Emporium debuts their third outpost on Wednesday. Check out their new home in Union Station.

Dino’s Wood Burning Pizza just launched a second location (4923 Dundas St. W.) a month ago, but isn’t wasting anytime branching out: Their Etobicoke eatery (820 The Queensway) opened yesterday.

Ghost restaurant Happy Burger (881 Yonge St.) launches today, delivering late night eats (i.e. fast food burgers, hot dogs, waffle fries) Thursday to Saturday 10pm - 2am.

Huevos Gourmet temporarily closed their Mexican/French brunch spot in New Toronto (2888 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) last July. Doors opened for their new digs in Mississauga (241 Lakeshore Rd. E.) yesterday.

Ikkousha Ramen Chicken (257 Queen St. W.) softly opens Saturday with free ramen to the first 50 customers and 50% off all ramen all day. Brought to you by Ikkousha Ramen (249 Queen St. W.) that opened March 2019.

Persian and deep-dish pizza has arrived at Yonge and Davisville, thanks to Pizza Shab (1978 Yonge St.). It’s their fourth location in the GTA.

Wild Chicory (525 Mount Pleasant Rd.) debuted last night with Chef Shawn Limoges (Globe Bistro) at the stove.

CLOSED

Away Kitchen on College (680 College St.) came on the scene last April, but is currently closed for renos for the “next few months.” Stay tuned.

A Notice of Termination was posted on the door of live music venue, The Cut on Queen (1963 Queen St. E.).

Vegandale Brewery (1346 Queen St. W.) is kaput. See above for all the details.

EVENTS

Dope Cocktails is happening tonight in the east end at The Jam Factory.

Tonight is the final Chefs For Change dinner for the year.

Valentine’s Day may be over, but heart-shaped pizzas aren’t. Learn to make your own vegan pie on Sunday.

There are fabulous fundraisers happening across the city this month and next to help those affected by the Australian wildfires. Check out the latest additions.

Over 100 restaurants are participating in Markham’s Asialicious.

NEWS

Despite what you may have heard, Handlebar (159 August Ave.) – sister to eastside’s Farside (600 Gerrard St. E.) - is not closing.

Jason Momoa is in town filming Season 2 of See. He been spotted everywhere (uh, he’s pretty hard to miss), including Ramen Isshin.

Wisebox a reusable takeout container program for Toronto's restaurants and cafes that gives consumers a waste-free option when they do takeaway, launches tomorrow.

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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Want to get the word out about your business or service to an exclusively food-hungry audience? Shoot me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to the fab Toronto Restaurants Newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest resto news + events, receive exclusive content, get in on contests, giveaways, etc., and follow Toronto Restaurants on Insta and FB for exciting announcements!

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News February 13-19, 2020

While there’s a slew of arrivals to get excited about this week (11!), take note of the many, many places that have shuttered (14!). It’s one of the longest lists of late. And of course, a whack of news too.

Here’s the very latest: 

OPEN

It wouldn’t be the Open/Closed without a bubble tea shop opening. This time, your tapioca dreams can be found at Bobacha Cafe and Snack Bar (259 Lakeshore Rd. E.) in Mississauga.

The third venture by Campechano - Mexican snack bar Buena Copa (460 College St.) at College and Bathurst – has arrived. Bienvenido!

Mount Pleasant Village’s The Chef Upstairs (516 Mount Pleasant Rd.) has expanded – to the ground floor. Introducing: The Chef Downstairs.

Dagu Rice Noodle has locations across Canada. The latest in the GTA? Empress Walk (5095 Yonge St., 3rd Fl.) in North York. Stay tuned. A Scarborough location is already in the works.

Long-time home of Golden Griddle (45 Carlton St.) has transformed into yet another breakfast chain: Eggspectation.

Enoteca Sociale (1288 Dundas St. W.) reopens today after a short closure. Both the space and menu got a revamp.

Knives out! Knife launched their second location earlier this week (1112 Queen St. E.). Visit their stunning new shop eastside in Leslieville, in addition to the flagship on Dundas West.

Guys like Kung Fu Tea are sure keeping me busy. Check out their newest shop in High Park (2298 Bloor St. W.), opening tomorrow.

Meat and Pie Co. (212 King St. W.) has got your cravings for meat and/or pie covered in the Entertainment District.

Muni Robata (30 St Patrick St.) is serving up starters of Suzuki Fennel Salad ($15.50)  and Crab Dumpling ($20), an assortment of salads ($10.90- $13.50) and tempura ($13.50-$27) alongside robata grill selections including Cornish Hen ($32.80) and Pork Ribs ($42) in EmaTei’s old spot.

Triple AAA Bar’s Riverside outpost (598 Gerrard St.) changed concepts: AAA LIVE is now a live music venue.

CLOSED

Cabbagetown has had a rough go lately. Beer Batter Fish ’n Chips (200 Carlton) just shuttered. The seafood eatery by the The Irv Gastro Pub team across the street debuted June 1, 2018.

Blackbird Baking Co.’s Kensington location (172 Baldwin St.) is currently under renovations, but they’re open across the street (185A Baldwin St.) for a month-long pop-up - complete with their luscious bread, pastries and sandos. Phew.

Boccone Deli & Pizza Bar (1384 Yonge St.) is closed, but not for long. The St. Clair stalwart is merely getting a “facelift.”

Buns out. Fancy Franks (484 Parliament) in Cabbagetown is being replaced by… tune in next week to find out. 

Good Earth Coffeehouse (198 Jarvis St.) launched at the corner of Jarvis and Dundas back in January 2017. The space is now up for sale.

Hitch (1216 Queen St. E.) in Leslieville stuck it out for seven years. They close after service on Saturday.

I broke the news about the “Notice of Distress” on the door of Kanpai Snack Bar in Cabbagetown last month. The corner spot is now for lease. 

Neighbor Wang (389 Church St.) launched Fall 2016 near Carlton,  but didn’t last admist the construction. 

Noah’s Natural Foods (21 Carlton St.) Yonge and College location is papered up. 

Leslieville’s The Peasant Table (782 Queen St. E.) is “closed for renovations,” yet their website isn’t online anymore. 

In case, you were hoping Pick 6ix Sports (33 Yonge St.) would return, all the signage has been removed.

Praise Patisserie makes a stunning debut inside BMV Books (244 Queen St. W.) December ’18.

Ruru (152 Dundas St. E.) moved into the Garden District back in November 2018, but is currently for sale and lease.

Spiga Ristorante (1378 Yonge St.) has closed due to “restructuring.” 

EVENTS

Asialicious launches today. The restaurant festival in Markham is in response to business downturn in the wake of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak. More than 100 restaurants are participating in the two-week promotion.

Mary’s Brigadeiro Valentine Pop-Up is in full swing at Billy Bishop Airport.

The Mac & Cheese Festival in Mississauga kicks off today.

Chefs For Change takes place tonight and next Thursday.

It’s the last day to get in on Winterlicious.

Stressbaking 101 is happening on Saturday.

Challenge accepted, Momo Eating Challenge 2020.

A number of Toronto restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries + cafes are helping to raise money for those affected by the devastating Australian wildfires. Check out the amazing new events happening around town.

NEWS 

PSA: White Claw is coming to Canada! Stay tuned. 

Speaking of drinks: Last night, Drake and Brent Hocking announced the launch of Mod Sélection’s newest libation, limited-edition Mod Sélection Blanc de Blancs Champagne – available exclusively on the website for $450/btl .

And move over Canada Dry, Sprite Ginger has arrived - complete with clothing line.

Gucci Osteria by world-famous restaurateur and chef Massimo Bottura and Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri (of Michelin-starred Osteria Bottura eatery in Firenze, Italy) debuts Monday in Beverly Hills.This is the first U.S. restaurant by the duo.

Feel the heat with Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam new hot sauce with Nando’s.

The KFC X Crocs Bucket Clog is on the way this spring, but only north of the border at press time.

England’s The Manhattan Bar and Grill has a steak for the ladies.

ICYMI

Just in time for Valentine’s Day: Get to know Mariane Arruda de Oliveira of Mary's Brigadeiro Handcrafted Chocolate in this month’s At The Pass.

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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Want to get the word out about your business or service to an exclusively food-hungry audience? Shoot me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to the fab Toronto Restaurants Newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest resto news + events, receive exclusive content, get in on contests, giveaways, etc., and follow Toronto Restaurants on Insta and FB for exciting announcements!

At The Pass with Chocolatier Mariane Arruda de Oliveira

Currently

Founder and Chocolatier of Mary's Brigadeiro Handcrafted Chocolates.

Formerly

Human Resource Assistant in a private company in Brazil.

Favourite dish to make right now

Feijoada - traditional Brazilian bean stew with meat.

Last cookbook purchase

Right now I am reading and in love for Confeitaria Escalafobética by Raiza Costa.

Have you read it/tried any recipes

Yes.

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

Margarine and shortening.

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

Much more local ingredients, and more information about them in the menus. A dish can tell so many stories, starting with the origin of the ingredients.

Your biggest influences

Chef Philipe Vacayseele. 

If could eat at any restaurant in the world

Mocoto Restaurant in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Last thing you ate

Homemade sweet potato soup.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

French butter, cheese and eggs.

Guilty pleasure

Chocolate! :)

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

 Maha’s, Union Restaurant, and Defina Pizzeria.

Top 3 favourite Toronto bars

Just two: Cider House and Timothy's Pub.

Go-to drink

Cider House for their Hot Mulled Cider. It's incredible!

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

I reorganize the space too often - sometimes my team cannot find anything. :/

One habit you have in the kitchen that will inspire young chefs

Discipline.

Hidden talent

Luiza Ferrer, the first young chef who was part of our team.

Best career advice you ever received 

I received two important pieces of advice:

The first one was to grow our chocolate business to other levels and channels – i.e. corporate gifts, online store (ship worldwide), export, and events and partnerships with other small businesses.

The second was from my mentor, that we should open a concept store to receive our clients and show them where the products are made, who is behind the scenes - the magic happening during the process - and he was so right!

Worst career advice you ever received

"You should automate 100 per cent of your process by introducing more machines.”

Your advice for young cooks starting out in the business

You can do anything you want, so never let anyone say you cannot. Pay attention to the details, work extra hard, learn from the experts, and always ask for help from people you admire. If you believe in your idea, there will be always good people surround you to support your dream!

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News February 6-12, 2020

This week’s 11 entrants aren’t just all over the map geographically – options range from cotton candy and bagels to a ton of pasta selections and a fast food concept you’d never thought of, but now, will be racing to try.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

In the Bloor West Village ‘hood? Add Montreal-style bagels to your list, thanks to new occupant Bagel Time (2457 Bloor St. W.).

Blooming Cotton Candy touched down at Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) yesterday. Find their pop-up cart filled with candy floss in the shape of cute animal heads at The Food District until March 1st.

The arrival of Boukan’s (452 Kingston Rd.) French Creole fast food street food (say that ten times fast) begs the question: “Where has this taste of Haiti been all our lives?”

Early Bird Coffee & Kitchen just added a second location. And this time, the sleek new digs are right in the Financial District (Brookfield Place -181 Bay St.).

Elm Street Italian Deli (15 Elm St.) opens Monday, with dishes they assert are “made with so much love, you might cry.”

Gusto 501 (501 King St. E.) debuted in Corktown two days ago. And I’ve got alllll the deets (Floating levels! Rooftop patio!) in this week’s The Arrival.

Lost Coffee has landed at Assembly Chef's Hall (111 Richmond St. W.) with a selection of coffee and lunch items.

Ma Maison (2432 Bloor St. W.) offers an “authentic French culinary experience” at Bloor and Jane.

Indulge in your love of carbs at Pastucci's in College Park (777 Bay St.).

Inspired by Italy’s “style capital,” Trattoria Milano debuts today at Eataly (Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. W.).

You won’t find any plastic packaging at “plant-centered” White Rabbit Caffè (717 Bay St.).

CLOSED

Launched last summer at Queen and Dufferin, the fourth Bespoke Butchers (1164 Queen St. W.) has shuttered.

Bulldog Coffee left Assembly Chef’s Hall (111 Richmond St. W.),, but reopened in a new spot last week. To discover what took its place, check out this week’s arrivals below.

Royal Myanmar (438 Horner Ave.) has closed, though it may be short-term.

Tandori at Hudson’s Bay Centre Food Court (2 Bloor St. E.) is boarded up.

EVENTS

Leslieville’s Chez Nous Wine Bar - which in case you didn’t already know, features exclusively Ontario wine and spirits - is hosting a Ricky + Olivia pop-up on Wednesday from 5pm to 2am.

Winterlicious is underway.

A number of Toronto restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries + cafes are helping to raise money for those affected by the devastating Australian wildfires. Check out the amazing new events happening around town.

There are more Chefs For Change events this month.

NEWS

Asialicious is launching in Markham next week in response to business downturn in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak. Stay tuned.

California Pizza Kitchen is finally coming to Canada.

Chinese restaurant Peking Express (217 Parliament St., Unit 2 ) – established in 1984 smack dab between Corktown and Regent Park – just added Wok 2 Go to its lineup.

You’ll never believe the transformed used cooking oil from McDonald’s recently underwent.

Itsuo Kobayashi’s 30-year food diary, a hard copy Instagram of sorts, is just as drool-inducing as your current feed.

Have you seen this restaurant panda?

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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Want to get the word out about your business or service to an exclusively food-hungry audience? Shoot me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to the fab Toronto Restaurants Newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest resto news + events, receive exclusive content, get in on contests, giveaways, etc., and follow Toronto Restaurants on Insta and FB for exciting announcements!

Innovative Trattoria Gusto 501 Opens in Corktown

Gusto 501. Photo credit: Kayla Rocca.





























Gusto 501. Photo credit: Kayla Rocca.





























Gusto 501. Photo credit: Kayla Rocca.

It took an achingly long six years to bring Gusto 501 to life. Leave it to powerhouse Janet Zuccarini, CEO and Owner of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group to make it worth the wait.

Same but different

If you’re a Trattoria Nervosa and Gusto 101 devotee, then you’ll be all over its new Corktown cousin.

Gusto 501 is “taking the roots from Trattoria Nervosa, the innovation from Gusto 101, and using them to propel a transporting dining experience in a very special neighbourhood, all the while delivering the passionate, soulful Italian hospitality we are intrinsically known for,” Zuccarini said in a recent release.

Italian, but make it modern

Gusto 54 Restaurant Group Executive Chef Elio Zannoni and Chef Michael Magliano - formerly of Michelin-starred The French Laundry and Quince, and L.A. resto Felix (awarded top spot on the 2017 “#1 Best New Restaurant in America” by Jeff Gordinier in Esquire Magazine); currently Gusto Green, a healthy plant-powered eatery opening in Los Angeles this spring - have created plates rooted in tradition, with contemporary constructions.

The all-day eatery takes you from early morning coffee to late night dinner and drinks across the striking five “floating levels” structure:

Attico snack bar on the second floor, offers a focused menu of 12 spuntini - from puffed collagen with black truffle and Parmigiano Soffiato ($10) to Risotto Verde ($20) with hen of the woods, chlorophyll and garlic - and six grigliata terracotta, dishes cooked in clay pots as the Romans did ($8-$12), designed to be enjoyed with a selection of amari, cocktails ($17-$19), house wine on tap ($1/oz.), other wines for $3.oz, as well as a variety of wines by the glass and bottle in the cocktail bar above.

Guests can tuck into the Trattoria menu in the Amari lounge on the mezzanine, and main dining room on the ground floor. Notorious dishes from Trattoria Nervosa and Gusto 101 (hello Cavolo Nero $16, Mafalde ai Funghi $23) make an appearance, alongside “contemporary Southern Italian fare” such as Coppa ($28) a trifecta of pork, savoy cabbage, and raisin mostarda: Branzino ($34) with blood orange and fennel pollen; and prime striploin (aka Tagliata $40) with cauliflower mash, arugula and garlic. For brunch, Ricotta Pancake ($14), Eggs in Purgatorio ($15), Smoked Grain Bowl ($15), Gusto ‘Americano’ Burger ($20-$25), and array of Pizzettes ($15-$24).

The caffè, featuring espresso-based drinks and housemade Italian pastries, is also a nod to Zuccarini’s father Giacomo, who imported the first espresso machine to Canada, and later opened The Sidewalk Caffè on College Street.

The rooftop patio is set to debut this spring.

Terrracotta dreams

The industrial edifice nestled between Sumach and Sackville boasts modern design utilizing natural materials by leading Toronto architecture studio, PARTISANS (You’ll recognize their handiwork from hotspots Bar Raval and Quetzal, and colossal spaces such as Union Station and Ontario Place).

The 1400 sq. ft. “Hypergarage” features one of the largest operable glass facades in the world, “undulating walls,” and 50-foot glass roof, delivering unique dining experiences across the multi-tiered space.

The restaurant accommodates 205 guests: 60 in the Trattoria, 35 on the Mezzanine, 25 in the Cocktail Bar, 30 at Attico, and once the warm weather arrives, 55 on the roof.

Destination: Corktown

Like adjacent east end nabe Leslieville, Corktown is quickly evolving into a dining destination thanks to popular haunts like Roselle and Odin, stalwarts such as Morning Glory Café, and newcomers Reyna on King and Bodega Henriette.

The arrival of Gusto 501 simply confirms why your next reservation should be east of Yonge.

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Deets 

Gusto 501
501 King St. E.
416.477.5647

Hours
Mon + Tues - 8am-10pm
Wed  - 8am-11pm
Thurs + Fri  - 8am-1am
Sat - 10:30am - 1am
Sun - 10:30am - 12am

Psst. Stay tuned. Gusto 54 - which includes Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, Gusto 54 Catering & Commissary, and partnerships with Pai and Kiin on its roster - is set to launch five more concepts In the coming year: Azhar and two Thai concepts (in partnership with Pai) in Toronto; Gusto Green and Stella in Los Angeles.

Don’t miss a thing - be sure to subscribe to the fab Toronto Restaurants Newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest resto news + events, receive exclusive content, get in on contests, giveaways, etc., and follow Toronto Restaurants on Insta and FB for exciting announcements

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News January 30-February 5, 2020

It’s hard to believe, but last week’s +10 arrivals felt a little sparse compared to weeks past.

So this week’s seismic surge - 20 new destinations - with coffee and bubble tea shops leading the charge, seems strangely about right.

And naturally, there’s a whack of closures, news and events to catch up on, so get comfortable - you’re going to be here awhile.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Despite reports the the zero-waste store opened last month, Annex Market (718 Bathurst St.) actually just launched, with the grand opening taking place this Saturday. The green grocer offers pickup, and delivery, and aims to make “local food and sustainable goods available to all at affordable prices.”

Bar Mordecai (1272 Dundas St. W.) debuted last night. The Dundas West spot by the Mahjong Bar (1276 Dundas St. W.) crew was inspired by “the aesthetics of Wes Anderson’s films” and styled after “hotel lobby bars of yore”, so eye-candy is just the beginning. To find out more, you’ll have to see it for yourself, but keep your eyes locked here. Coming soon: a lounge bar and private dining rooms featuring karaoke on the lower level.

Doors opened Monday for Regent Park’s newest occupant, BLCK. (383 Dundas St. E.), taking over Ontario Restaurant’s former digs, with a “globally- inspired” menu including: Fruity Loop’s Pancakes ($11), Brussels Sprouts Ceasar ($13), Signature Burger ($15), and Mac + Cheese ($12).

It turns out you can go home again. Bulldog Coffee (89 Granby St.), moved back into its original home at Church and Carlton, where it first launched in 2003 (To give you some context: It was the year Apple launched iTunes, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected Governor of California, and top flicks included Bruce Almighty, The Last Samurai, and Lost in Translation. So yeah, a helluva long time ago).

The latest outpost of rapidly expanding chain Butter Chicken Roti just landed in East York (1041 Coxwell Ave.), with a bunch more in the works – both in Toronto/GTA and further afield. Stay tuned.

Scarborough’s Chicha’s (2300 Lawrence Ave. E.) isn’t your typical Indian resto. The Asli Hyderabadi eatery calls itself “Frivolous. Fearless. Flirty.” On the menu: shawarma, dosa, maggi and samosa.

Also in Scarborough: CoCo FreshTea & Juice just landed at the 402 & Kennedy (8 William Kitchen Rd.).

Love Sugo (1281 Bloor St. W.)? Get yourself to Conzo’s (1279 Bloor St. W.), their new pizzeria a few doors east (where Emerson used to be).

Copper Branch - the plant-based chain with big name ambassadors (Bianca Andreescu, Montreal Canadiens Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Olympic Figure Skater Meagan Duhamel, for starters), just added a Mississauga outpost (3055 Argentia Rd.) to its roster.

Drippin Coffee (5 Kenaston Gardens) at Bayview and Sheppard is about “chef inspired coffee” by Zac Kara, a teen who has appeared on various cooking shows. A focused food menu was just added.

Heyyy fashion set: Holts Café (50 Bloor St. W.) at Holt Renfrew has a new look (Alex Cochrane Architects) and feel (contemporary Canadian menu by executive chef Benjamin Lillico).

When a company rolls out a bunch of spots close together, it can feel like Groundhog Day. Take Kung Fu Tea, who’s expanding across the GTA so quickly, they landed in the Annex in September, Yorkville in November, and on College as recently as last week. While their first Mississauga satellite (285 Enfield Pl.) kicks off Sunday with 25 per cent off all drinks, more locations are to follow soon. Knowing these guys, very soon. Stay tuned.

NaanSpot (310 College St.) offers much more than just naan (though that would be totally fine too). Dig into an array of Indian fare including fish, chicken, and vegetarian selections (chaaps!).

In the St. Clair and Christie ‘hood?  Neapolitan-style pies have arrived courtesy of Pi Co. (687 St. Clair Ave. W.). Go on Tuesday for a free Margherita from noon to 3:14pm (line cut off at 2:30pm).

Riverside Burgers (688 Queen St. E.) has taken over from BQM Burgers. While it’s retained the same ownership and menu, you’ll find a few new items including a double patty option and jerk burger.

You know I would normally never include a Starbucks opening here, but the first pickup-only location for the brand in Canada (the world’s first launched on November 5, 2019 in NYC ) kicks off on Tuesday in Commerce Court (25 King St. W.). A trend already in motion by other retailers including PC Express, is one we’ll see increase exponentially in the next few years.

Thirstea (632 Bloor St. W.) arrived in Koreatown last year, but closed shortly after launching, leaving a wake of confusion as to whether it was actually open or not. Doors finally reopened earlier this week.

Find Wallace Espresso inside Ubisoft Toronto, on coincidentally, their namesake street (224 Wallace Ave., Unit 200)

One of the city’s best restos, Woodlot (293 Palmerston Ave) just  reopened with a little revamp to the space and menu.

Xing Fu Tang Tea Hall is another bubble tea chain that doesn’t like to be idle. They celebrated their Scarborough (3278 Midland Ave., Unit D11) soft open yesterday, with a grand opening to follow Tuesday. In the meantime, enjoy 20 per cent off all drinks until Saturday.

CLOSED

The Junction’s Bricco Kitchen + Wine Bar (3047 Dundas St. W.), home of one of my all-time favourite dining rooms –a mid-century furniture lover's dream - has shuttered after six years.

B. Good’s location across from The St. Lawrence Market (100 Front St. E.) is papered up and no longer listed on the company’s website.

BQM Burger (688 Queen St. E.) west of Broadview is no more. See above for what’s taken over.

Enoteca Sociale (1288 Dundas St. W.) has temporarily closed for “a full renovation,” with the re-launch to follow next month.

Leslieville’s Hitch (1216 Queen St. E.)  on Feb 15th after seven years.

Holy Noir (790 Dundas St. W.) closed this month. Soon to take over - Descendant Pizza’s second location - instead of once-in-the- works Rumble Tang.

The Library Bar at Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St. W.) closes tomorrow for a “refresh”, reopening Summer 2020.

Sobeys Urban Fresh Bay Street  (777 Bay St., Unit C209) closes today, reopening this fall as Farm Boy.

EVENTS

If you like Oreos, you’ll want to head to the new Oreo Stuf Shoppe ASAP.

Chefs For Change kicks off tonight.

Winterlicious begins tomorrow.

This weekend, head to the Toronto Reference Library for the Toronto Tea Festival.

Chocoholics unite at Saturday’s Winter Chocolate Show.

Beer-lovers have their own bash happening Saturday at Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival.

IKEA North York celebrates Chinese New Year on Sunday.

Another great food-centric event on Sunday: Super Bowl LIV.

A number of Toronto restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries + cafes are helping to raise money for those affected by the devastating Australian wildfires. Check out the amazing new events happening around town.

NEWS

DJ Khaled gave big ups to Chubby’s when he visited last week. #BlessUp.

Man Ray Bar À Vin (227A Ossington Ave, Second Floor), a “luxe fondue bar” by Sarah Keenlyside and Brandon Olsen of CXBO Chocolates and La Banane, is launching soon. Stay tuned.

Pizzeria Libretto is adding to its current four locations across Toronto, with a planned expansion set for Spring 2020.

Singer-songwriter Andy Shauf based a whole album around a Toronto restaurant.

Food Network Canada’s new series Wall of Chefs, debuts Monday.

Ben & Jerry’s Netflix and Chill’d Ice Cream is now available in Canada.

A Paul Bocuse resto got a serious Michelin demotion.

The Beyond Meat story continues.

Milk is the latest item to be recalled.

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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Want to get the word out about your business or service to an exclusively food-hungry audience? Shoot me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to the fab Toronto Restaurants Newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest resto news + events, receive exclusive content, get in on contests, giveaways, etc., and follow Toronto Restaurants on Insta and FB for exciting announcements!

Laurie Woolever on Anthony Bourdain, NYC's best restaurants, Le Swan, and what’s next

Photo credit: Steve Legato

Laurie Woolever isn’t your typical writer. And that’s a very, very good thing.

A quick listen of her addictive, no-holds-barred Carbface for Radio Podcast with Laurie and Chris, and suddenly you too will have thoughts about Personal Pan Rice Krispie Treats, dump and stir shows, burger rings, Grape Mentos, and other culinary . And Appetites: A Cookbook that she co-authored with Anthony Bourdain, is anything but standard (i.e. a Korean army helmet filled with Budae Jigae,Anthony holding a bird upside in one hand and hair dryer int the other, for starters).

The sharp-witted author, podcast host, and long-time Anthony Bourdain collaborator, traveled to Toronto recently to be a part of a panel about women and food. Once settled back at home, she shared her thoughts about Carbface, Anthony, New York restaurants and more, in her trademark funny/smart/sardonic style.

What are three things you’ve learned in doing the CarbFace for Radio podcast? 

Doing Carbface has taught me the value of practice and experience. When we first started working on it, I was nervous and self-doubting; the more episodes Chris and I make, and the more we spend time talking and riffing and being silly, the easier and better it gets.

I've also learned that there is value in creative endeavors that don't generate direct income. It's a change of pace for me; I have long found it hard to write something for the sheer love of writing, if there isn't an assignment or contract attached.

I have also learned more than I ever knew possible about the bizarre world of candy and snacks from around the world, thanks to our awesome and generous listeners who like to send us packages.

Any advice for those wanting to write a cookbook?

Appetites: A Cookbook by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever. Photo credit: Stephanie Dickison.

We talked about this on an episode of Carbface with Matt and Ted Lee, who run an annual cookbook workshop, and I think they really got to the heart of it when they said, ask yourself why you want to write a book. If you think you're going to make a lot of money, you'll likely be disappointed.

From my own experience I'd say it's important to have an agent advocating for you, if you're not comfortable doing that yourself. The money you spend on commission is an investment in your career and the success of the book.

Also: TEST YOUR RECIPES. Send them out to a tester, re-work them yourself, and make your explanations clear and direct, whether in the method or the headnotes. Once it's out in the world, be prepared to promote it relentlessly. Publishing houses don't have the resources to promote all the titles they publish; it's up to authors to find or create opportunities to move copies.

In working with Anthony - both as his assistant and co-authoring Appetites: A Cookbook - you got to see a side of him away from the cameras. What would his fans be surprised to learn about him? 

In going back over old episodes and transcripts, I am struck by how transparent Tony was about himself, in whatever mood or stage of life the cameras found him, but I think that people might have been surprised by the shy, gentle and generous sides of him that were as much who he was as the swaggering, wisecracking world traveler.

Left to your own devices, what three dishes do you tend to make for yourself? 

I cook eggs almost every day, either a plain omelet with cottage cheese and raspberries, or fried eggs with vegetables, lentils and something spicy. 

I like to make spaghetti -- lately it's the kind made of lentil or chickpea flour -- tossed with an egg and some grated cheese or nutritional yeast.

And I'm a big fan of roasting chicken thighs with salt and pepper in the toaster oven, which I'll eat with some garlicky sautéed greens and a purple sweet potato, also roasted in the toaster oven.

I like to cook a few big batches of vegetables and have them on hand for a few days.

Are those dishes vastly different than the ones you make for friends and family? 

Photo credit: Bobby Fisher for Appetites: A Cookbook.

I think they're all delicious and would serve any of them to friends and family, but if I'm entertaining, I'll generally braise a hunk of fatty meat in the Instant Pot and then build a meal around that, making a sauce from the braising liquid and maybe cooking some rice and veg in that liquid, too.

Or I'll cook a real pasta, that is, white flour pasta. My sister came for dinner recently and I made Israeli couscous with basil pesto, green beans, blanched squid and chickpeas. It sounds odd but it was really tasty, and the green-ness of it sort of fooled us into believing it was healthy.

Are you reading any food-related books right now? If so, which ones?

The late chef Gina DePalma wrote a beautiful book about Italian sweets, based on her time living in Rome and traveling around the country, called My Sweet Italy.

Unfortunately, her long illness delayed her finishing it, and it was never published. I was lucky to get a copy of the manuscript before she died in 2015, and I read it again recently, before my first visit to Rome. It's bittersweet in the extreme; she was a magnificent writer, with prose that is wry and economical and warm and informative, and I really hope that someone sees fit to publish it posthumously.

What kind of non-food books are you most drawn to? 

I love contemporary novels; I just read Fleishman Is In Trouble: A Novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. I also really like memoirs written by people with significant mileage on their lives; bonus points for being funny (Tina Fey's Bossypants is the gold standard). And I love collections of personal essays; the best one I've read recently is Alicia Tobin's So You're A Little Sad, So What? Nice Things to Say to Yourself on Bad Days and Other Essays.

Describe a typical day of eating from when you get up until you go to bed.

La Caridad 78, New York City. Photo credit: Antonio Mora.

Coffee is always the first priority. I use Café Bustelo, which has the best flavour, is dark and rich, and is also very cheap. It's often two bricks for $5 at my local grocery store, so I stock up. There are about seven bricks in my freezer right now. I used to do the Italian stovetop espresso thing, but generally I want a small ocean's worth of coffee each morning. So, coffee with whole milk.

Then I'll make the aforementioned omelet with cottage cheese and raspberries, or fried eggs with whatever leftover cooked veg I have from the previous night's dinner.

I work at home, so at some point mid-morning I'll wander back into the kitchen for more coffee, a handful of almonds, a piece of fruit, or this kind of awful breakfast cereal that's like Cheerios but made from quinoa. It fills the need for something crunchy and something sweet. I love actual sweets, but I am now middle-aged and have still not figured out how to enjoy a reasonable portion of them, so I mostly don't/can't keep things like cookies or candy around.

If I'm home for lunch, it's generally dinner leftovers, plus or minus a few eggs, or a can of tuna or some cottage cheese. If I'm out, I try to get something reasonably healthy, like deli nori rolls that don't give me an immediate botulism vibe, or steam table soup, or one of those absurd birthday cake-flavored protein bars and a cup of coffee, which is absolutely as tragic as it sounds, but I don't care, it's a portable $4 lunch and I love it.

If my 11-year-old son is with me in the evening, I'll make us some kind of standard dinner: variations on braised or roasted chicken, or burgers, or a substantial soup, or pasta, or tacos made with ground meat and soft corn tortillas. The other day I made "Dinner Nachos" -- I cut up some corn tortillas and fried them in oil, then topped them with the last of the leftover braised short ribs and some shredded mozzarella, microwaved it and added mild salsa from a jar.

If my son isn't with me, I'll do eggs plus vegetables and maybe lentils or chicken, or a bowl of cereal, or I'll go out. My boyfriend took me to one of his childhood favourites recently, La Caridad 78 in Manhattan, which is old-school Cuban Chinese, straightforward, cheap and delicious. That kind of place is my strong preference lately, over self-consciously cool places, or fine dining. There's a great place in my neighbourhood called The Queensboro, that's comfortable and relaxed, with great food -- nothing too fancy, but everything done really well -- and as a bonus, it's a few blocks' walk from my apartment. 

Top three restaurants you’ve been to 

Le Swan French Diner, Toronto. Photo credit: Laurie Woolever

In my life? Uh ... I had the best omelet ever at Le Swan recently; it was just perfectly cooked, and the shaved cheese and ham gilded the proverbial lily. It's exactly the kind of dining room I like; it was basically an ideal restaurant experience.

I used to live around the corner from Casa Adela, a tiny place on Avenue C in Manhattan with the best rotisserie chicken and plantains I have ever had. The consistency, coupled with the warmth, value and the inscrutably, insanely delicious seasoning on the chicken, make this a top restaurant memory for me.

And I will always love Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant in the basement of Grand Central Station.

Three restaurants you order the most takeout/delivery from

I do very little takeout/delivery, but when I do, it's pho from a place in my neighbourhood called Thai Son, tamales from the unnamed business that sets up every Sunday at my local farmers’ market, or a run through the hot and cold buffet at Woorijip, an excellent Korean take-out place in Manhattan.

What projects are you working on right now? 

I am finishing a travel book that I started co-authoring with Tony Bourdain before his death (World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, available for pre-order until its release this October), and am also working on an oral biography of his life.

I enjoy the collaboration process, and helping non-writers with interesting lives to tell their stories, and I'm also starting to believe that I've got a few stories of my own worth telling. 

Toronto Restaurants celebrating Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is upon us and a number of not-necessarily-Asian restaurants are celebrating Year of the Rat with delectable sweet and savoury fare you’ll crave long after the festivities.

Take a look:

The Ace
231A Roncesvalles Ave.

You’ve only got until Saturday January 25th to get your hands on sumptuous Chinese New Year Dinner Specials including Pot Stickers ($8), General Tso’s Duck Wings ($12), Braised Beef Cheek and Gai Lan ($18), and Chinese Lettuce Wraps ($12/$17).

DaiLo
503 College St.

Chef Nick Liu has put together a special menu, complete with Winter Melon Soup, French Onion Soup Dumpling, Whole Steamed Branzino, Crispy Lobster “Dan Dan” Noodles, Duck “Fried Rice,” Aloe Sake Sorbet, and a TBA dessert.

His Chinese New Year Menu available Jan 28th to February 1st

George Restaurant
111C Queen St. E.

Chef Lorenzo Loseto’s inaugural Lunar New Year’s Eve Dinner 8-Course Tasting Menu ($99/pp) on Friday January 24th features Duck Breast, Shiitake Mushroom Tempura, and Jasmine Tea Brûlée.

Patois Restaurant
794 Dundas St. W.

If you’ve never had this unique take on Jamaican-Chinese cuisine based on owner/chef Craig Wong’s background, now is a good time to start. For the week of January 21st, dig into two Chinese New Year Specials:

- Lee Sang (Prosperity) Salad - Boasting salmon sashimi, cucumber, carrots, crispy wonton skins, daikon, pomelo, taro, salted plum and orange vinaigrette, this salad is meant to be shared, with everyone lifting ingredients high in the air with chopsticks and tossing them together for good luck and prosperity.

- Imperial Snow Crab Fried Rice - A mountain of decadence by way of snow crab, gai lan, jalepeno aioli, and tobiko, crowned with half pound of butter-poached snow crab legs.

St. Regis Hotel
325 Bay St.

The first Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea Ritual ($75*/$90**) features an array of sweet treats (Green Tea Macaron, Lychee Mascarpone Bavarois) alongside savoury selections (Peking Duck Salad, BBQ Pork Buns), served with tea of course (including rare Pu’er from China), in the Astor Lounge (Lobby Level) of the prestigious hotel.

The afternoon tea promotion is available weekends until Sunday February 2nd.

* includes glass of Prosecco.
**includes glass of Louis Roederer Brut Champagne.

Terre Rouge
162 Enterprise Blvd.

Ring in the new year at Markham’s contemporary French-inspired bistro with a four-course Lunar New Year Menu ($68/pp) from Friday January 24th to Friday January 31st.

Mains include your choice of Lobster Squid Ink Pasta, Miso Glazed Black Cod, or Filet Mignon Frites.

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Note: Menu items, prices, and ingredients subject to change.

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News January 23-29, 2020

Looking for new ways to tantalize your tastebuds? This week’s +10 arrivals have got you covered, from classic French fare and old school Italian to healthy plant-based bowls and Japanese tapas.

And there’s some colossal closures.

What a week.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Zero waste grocery store bare market (1480 Danforth Ave.) has softly opened, with an official opening on February 1st.

Gamberoni (3249 Yonge St.) launches across the street from its fixed address for over thirty years on Monday. At the helm are original owners, brothers Mike and Nicola Colombaro, with new additions: Nicola’s sons Giancarlo and Alessandro (of now closed Pisco Restaurant). More info below.

Holy Cow Steakhouse (254 Queen St. W.) is the latest concept to move into the Queen and John spot, with pick-your-own steaks and Japanese tapas.

Look for Imanishi Basement Bar by Imanishi Japanese Kitchen (193 Carlton St., B1)  below Zakkushi on Carlton in Cabbagetown.

I told you ghost kitchens and virtual restaurants were on the rise. Say hello to Kitchen Hub (935 The Queensway), a “virtual food hall” (read: a bunch of restaurants you can order from from one site and/or platform) featuring Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, The Carbon Bar, Blondies Pizza, Kanga Aussie Meat Pies, Greenhouse Juice Co., and The Cheesecake Factory Bakery. There’s also a selection of snacks, ice cream and pop available.

The sixth Kung Fu Tea (287 College Street) has arrived. Stay tuned: the authentic Taiwanese bubble tea and fruit tea has three more locations planned for the GTA.

The Yonge-Eg ‘hood just got a new meatless and wheatless destination. The eighth Ontario outpost Kupfert and Kim (2313 Yonge St.) debuted earlier this week.

While Chantecler remains closed for renovations due to a fire in November, head to Le Phénix (1263 Queen St. W.) for fab food [i.e. French Onion Soup ($8/$14), Winter Salad ($12), Poached Halibut ($24/$40) and Duck (half $35/whole $66)] and drinks. The temporary eatery by Chantecler’s Jacob Wharton-Shukster is set to stick around until August.

Saving Mondays (1655 Dupont St, Unit 100) is all about cookies and coffee. What’s not to love?

Speaking of coffee, sleek new Third Wave Coffee (42 Church St., Unit 2A) at King and Church specializes in specialty coffee and premium tea.

CLOSED

Leslieville’s Brooklyn Tavern last day is Saturday.

3238 Yonge St. was Gamberoni’s home for 33 years until Saturday. The owners had to move (luckily just across the street –  see above) due to a 50 per cent increase in rent.

Kensington Market mainstay Hibiscus Café (238 Augusta Ave.) shuttered on Friday.

Cabbagetown’s Kanpai Snack Bar (252 Carlton St.) was shut down after failing an inspection on December 19, 2019. Now there’s a Notice of Distress posted on the front door due to “rent arrears.”

While Neruda Restaurant (1681 Lake Shore Blvd. E.) appears to be still up and running online (their website still touts “Toronto's Best Steak & Seafood”), the palatial building does not. For weeks now - they purported to be open for New Year's Eve celebrations, but left people stranded outside in the cold.

EVENTS

The International Vegan Film Festival World Tour kicks off tomorrow at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Reservations are now being accepted for this year’s Winterlicious, taking place Friday, January 31st to Thursday February 13th.

NEWS

Robin Goodfellow (Bar Raval, Pretty Ugly Bar, Paradise on Bloor, Little Bones Beverage) and Amanda Bradley (Alo) are opening Vela in May, with food by Chef Jeffrey Lapointe (Soho House, Piano Piano, Splendido).

Pay-it-forward at Sultan Shawarma (2558 Danforth Ave.).

Castro’s Lounge (2116E Queen St. E.) in the Beach has seen some drama in the last few days regarding their liquor licence.

Uh, Coca-Cola's single use plastic bottles may be here to stay.

If you think the number of meat recalls has dramatically increased lately, you’re right.

ICYMI

A number of Toronto restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries + cafes are helping to raise money for those affected by the devastating Australian wildfires. Check out the amazing new events happening around town.

FYI

Do you have an upcoming food, drink or chef event coming up? List your event in a few seconds for FREE.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Want to get the word out about your business or service to an exclusively food-hungry audience? Shoot me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to the fab Toronto Restaurants Newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest resto news + events, receive exclusive content, get in on contests, giveaways, etc., and follow Toronto Restaurants on Insta and FB for exciting announcements!