Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 51

Chefs for Change: A Mid-Winter’s Feast

Photo credit: Liam Mogan.

If you’ve never been to Chefs for Change, this is the year to start.

The curated dinner series held at the beginning of the year by top Canadian chefs has drawn serious crowds since its inception in 2014. This year’s event features a host of exciting new chefs at the stove.

And as always, it’s all for a very important cause.

Take a look.

Why this event stands out:

1. Canada-wide talent

This year’s lineup is next-level.* In addition to Toronto’s own kitchen mavens, including Chris Brown (Victor Dries Events) - who hatched the idea for the series, Lora Kirk (Ruby Watchco) - who attended the inaugural event six years ago, Doug Penfold (Cava), John Sinopoli (Ascari), Kristin Donovan (Hooked), Alex Tso (Dundas Park Kitchen), Tom Thai (Foxley), Missy Hui (EatKander), and Chantana Srisomphan (Khao San Road), culinarians are traversing the country for the monumental collab.

Look for Calgary chefs Nicole Gomes (Cluck N Cleaver), Connie DeSousa and John Jackson (CHAR|CUT Roast House); Antonio Park (Park) and Fisun Ercan (Su) out of Montreal; and Todd Perrin of Mallard Cottage all the way from Newfoundland.

And while you’ll usually find Alexandra Feswick (The Drake Hotel) and Albert Ponzo (The Royal Hotel) a few hours outside Toronto in Prince Edward County in their respective hotel kitchens, they’re making the drive in for the momentous feasts.

Oh Canada.

*Full chef lineup below.

2. Like no other

One of the reasons the event is so compelling is that every evening, eight to ten chefs from across Canada join forces to create an inimitable meal you’ll share with people who you may know, and whom you might have never met.

Magical is just one way to describe it.

3. Help low-income communities

In addition to a sumptuous four-course repast, you’ll help raise money for those that need it most. Net profits from the events will go to Community Food Centres Canada to “support vibrant, food-focused organizations that bring people in low-income communities together to grow, cook, share, and advocate for healthy food for all.”

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Start the new year off right and knock a few of your New Year’s Resolutions off your list right now:

Try new things.

Help others.

Get tickets now.

Info

Dates/Times

Four Thursday nights in a row, starting Jan 30th through ‘til Feb 20th - January 30, February 6, February 13, and February 20.

Reception at 6:30 pm, Dinner to follow at 7pm.

Venue

Propeller Coffee, 50 Wade Ave. (Bloor + Landsdowne)

Price

$150 per ticket. Each ticket includes four courses, canapés, and welcome cocktail (Note: A $56 charitable tax receipt will be issued via email post-event for every ticket purchased).

2020 Mid-Winter’s Feast Chef Lineup

Thursday January 30
Suzanne Barr | True True Diner
Renee Bellefeuille | AGO Bistro
Fisun Ercan | Su
Carl Heinrich | Richmond Station
Christinn Hua | Millie Desserts
Charlotte Langley | Scout Canning
Julie Marteleira | Leña
Alex Tso | Dundas Park Kitchen
Anthony Walsh | Oliver & Bonacini
Jesse Vallins | Maple Leaf Tavern

Thursday February 6
Kristin Donovan | Hooked
Miriam Echeverria | Greta Soloman's Dining Room
Noureen Feerasta | Rickshaw Bar
Nicole Gomes | Cluck N Cleaver
Rosalin Keshishian | Babel
Nick Liu | Dailo
Antonio Park | Park
Albert Ponzo | The Royal Hotel
Tom Thai | Foxley
Scott Vivian | Beast

Thursday February 13
Rocco Agostino | Pizzeria Libretto
Ema Costantini | George Brown College
Ksenija Hotic | The Depanneur
Missy Hui | EatKander
Omer Jahangir | Actinolite
Lora Kirk | Ruby Watchco
Doug Penfold | Cava
Joel Rousell | George Brown College
John Sinopoli | Ascari
Rachel Tong | Lunchroom Toronto

Thursday February 20
Chris Brown | Victor Dries Events
Connie DeSousa | CHAR|CUT Roast House
Farzam Fallah | Don Alfonso 1890
Alexandra Feswick | The Drake Hotel
John Jackson | CHAR|CUT Roast House
Samantha Medeiros | La Palma
Todd Perrin | Mallard Cottage
Ivana Raca | Ufficio
Joel Rousell | George Brown College
Chantana Srisomphan | Khao San Road

At The Pass with Chef Emma Herrera

Currently

Chef, Burdock

Formerly

Planta (The Chase, Nota Bene (RIP)

Favourite dish to make right now

Our Spelt Sourdough Pretzels. So fun, so yum.

Last cookbook purchase

Plenty More: Vibrant Vegetable Cooking from London's Ottolenghi by Yottam Ottolenghi.

Have you read it/tried any recipes

Yes! Baigan Choka (p. 281) I love that he highlights non-western fundamental food techniques so thoughtfully.

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

I don’t aim to “cancel” anything in particular (everything has a time and place. Context, personal connection and culture are so crucial)/ BUUUUUTTTT like can we 86 bluefin tuna? Please?!

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

Lentils! I have a deep platonic love for lentils: Unsexy brown ones, fancy French ones, fat black ones, smushy red ones. So good, so delicious!

Your biggest influences

My parents, Chef David Lee, and Chef Amira Becarevic.

If could eat at any restaurant in the world

St. John, London, England for a very long lazy lunch.

Last thing you ate

Salted peanuts and a pilsner.

Three must-have ingredients always in your fridge

Butter, homemade hot pepper sauce, and Kozlik’s Dijon by Anton.

Guilty pleasure 

Nutella!

Top 3 favourite Toronto restaurants

Just one: Mattachioni for divine pizzas.

Top 3 fave Toronto bars

I don’t go out much but if I do, it’s close to home in Parkdale:
Pretty Ugly -  For fancy cocktails and positive vibes
The Rhino - For when you don’t want to go home just yet
Tennessee Tavern - Half-price wine night, hello!

Go-to drink

A cold pint, thanks.

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

Eating family meal in a rush, hunched over the garbage like a raccoon. I started setting a ten-minute timer to force myself to sit and enjoy the moment.

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

I love washing dishes, so fun! I hope my team sees my joy in scrubbing pots and pans, and it inspires them to have fun with it too.

Hidden talent

I’m ambidextrous!

Best career advice you ever received

“Knock them out with a feather” - Pat Bishop, a childhood mentor and absolute force of nature.

She saw that I was quiet and soft spoken but very driven inside. She inspired me to recognize the power and strength I already had in myself and use kindness as a force. 

Worst career advice you ever received 

Oh my, I received so much terrible advice from (mostly) well-intentioned people. I’d rather not repeat and give it the light of day!

Your advice for a young cook starting out in the business

Keep in touch with your family and non-industry friends. We often get so totally absorbed in our passion for our work that we forget about the many joys of life outside the kitchen.

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News January 2-8, 2020

The new decade is off to a rocky start when it comes to dining out. With 13 arrivals and eight closures, the industry’s instability is hard to miss.

But not all is bleak. There are exciting things to come. See below, for instance.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Aurora isn’t within my usual purview for resto launches, but when it’s authentic Texas BBQ kings Adamson Barbecue (15195 Yonge St.), you make an exception.

Cafe and tea bar Deer Cha (920 Queen St. W.) is located just west of Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Forbidden City (200 Princes' Blvd.), “Toronto’s newest nightlife and entertainment venue” has landed at Exhibition Place.

2019 saw an influx of arcade bar launches. The trend continues with newcomer Freeplay (300 College St.) at College and Spadina.

Indian Spice Room (717 Queen St. E.) at Queen and Broadview (where Animal Liberation Kitchen and Pulp Kitchen used to be), calls itself the “Only authentic Indian vegetarian restaurant in Toronto.”

Stop by Regent Park’s newest arrival, Le Beau Pâtisserie (665 Dundas St. E., Unit 7) by dynamic duo Chef Olga Spivak and Julia Merkulova, for coffee and pastries (Pro tip: Start with the Calamansi -pate sable with calamansi cremeux, vanilla namelaka truffle and tarragon powder - and go from there). Breakfast and lunch items are in the works.

Sansotei Ramen softly opened Sunday Dec 22 at Union Food Court (65 Front St. W.), approximately one month after launching on Adelaide.

Last month, Schnitzel Queen (211 Queen St. E.) announced doors were closing on December 27th, while they search for a larger space. They’ve decided to stick around awhile longer, currently until January 17th.

If you didn’t satiate your sweet tooth over the holidays, Soma Chocolatemaker Factory (77 Brock Ave.) is here for you, with a new spot in the heart of Parkdale - complete with factory tours and chocolate tastings. Happy New Year, indeed.

Also new to the Parkdale ‘hood, speakeasy The Standard Bar (1316 Queen St. W.). Hint: Follow the pink flamingo…

Scarborough just got its very own empanada destination, thanks to Taste of Empanada (3601 Lawrence Ave. E., Unit ).

Yang Teashop adds a third outpost to its roster, this time in Markham (3623 Hwy 7 E., Unit 106).

Psst. Korean finer dining spot Yeon Restaurant (465 Queen St. W.) just landed at Queen and Spadina, with Sinseollo (aka Royal Hotpot) on the menu.

CLOSED

Restaurateur Ed Ho’s “Think global. Eat local.” Globe Bistro (124 Danforth Ave.) closed after service on New Year’s Eve. The Danforth staple for 13 years was one of the first farm-to-table concepts in the city. Ho also opened Rosedale’s Globe Earth in 2009 and Earth Bloor West at Jane and Bloor in 2011 (both have since closed). What’s set to replace it? Stay tuned.

“Toronto's first ever Indian snack bar,” IST Eatery (1263 Queen St. W.) - originally called IST Snack Bar - shuttered New Year’s Eve, despite opening less than a year ago in Doomie’s old spot.

Did the Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction nightmare contribute to Maybes Restaurant (188 Eglinton Ave. E.) being papered up?

After a recent move across the street and shift in focus, vegan retaurant Mythology Diner’s last night was New Year’s Eve.

Authentic New Zealand meat pie HQ, North Shore Pie Co (107 Shorncliffe Rd.) in Etobicoke, closed on Christmas.

Tequila Bookworm (512 Queen St. W.) announced it’s closing at the end of January after 27 years due to a rent hike.

Thompson Diner‘s (51 Bathurst St.) celebration on New Year’s Eve was bittersweet as it marked the last night after nine years of service. The Thompson Hotel eatery was originally known as The Counter, open 24 hours.

Yesterday, one of the city’s oldest restaurants, The Tulip Steakhouse (1606 Queen St. E.), released a statement on Facebook that they have closed. It reads in part, “Unfortunately, business conditions have changed regarding our lease agreement in ways we can no longer accommodate, and we have been left with no choice.” The steakhouse and family restaurant debuted on October 1, 1929.

NEWS

Bold move. A B.C. restaurant reportedly turned away the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, aka Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. 

In other celebrity news, TMZ posted a video of singer/songwriters Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello making out at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen.

Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse is the first Canadian restaurant to sell Scotch Beef after a 24-year ban. You can also find it at amazing European grocer + eatery Denninger’s five locations.

As of yesterday, dogs may be allowed on bar and restaurant patios.

According to City TV News, arson’s suspected in a Woodbridge restaurant fire. Though the news update doesn’t name the establishment, the address listed is the same for Motorino Vaughan, which closed yesterday for renovations.

Just prior to Christmas day, a Burlington restaurant was raided and shut down.

The bread price-fixing saga continues.

ICYMI

If you make any cookies this month, make these: Tiny, Salty, Chocolatey Cookies from Alison Roman’s bestselling cookbook, ‪Nothing Fancy. You’ll see.

It turns out you don’t need a reso at Alo Restaurant to enjoy one of their top cocktails. Get the full recipe for Robin Kaufman’s ‘Threefold’ in the Toronto Restaurants Ultimate Cocktail Guide now.

FYI

Do you have an upcoming food, drink or chef event coming up? Get the word out to the right audience. 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 partner with Toronto Restaurants? Shoot me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

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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 upcoming announcements.

Toronto Restaurants Ultimate Cocktail Guide - Alo's Threefold

Trying to score a reso at award-winning restaurant Alo ain’t easy. It takes a combination of patience, persistence, and willingness to plan dinner months in advance.

One of their stellar cocktails, however, is thankfully much easier to come by.

Alo Food Group’s Corporate Bar Manager Robin Kaufman hatched Threefold, a magical li’l number you can now recreate at home. You’ll need some elevated ingredients and a little of that patience and persistence, but the rewards (1. A sophisticated cocktail well worth your time and effort; 2. Knowing how to make clarified buttermilk syrup like a boss; 3. A levelled-up home bar) are mighty. And just in time to ring in the new year.

Threefold

Recipe:

1oz Martell VS Cognac
1oz Pisco Gobernador
0.75oz Clarified Buttermilk Syrup (see recipe below)
0.75oz fresh Lemon and Lime juice (50:50 blend)
2 Dashes Amargo Chuncho Peruvian Bitters

Garnish:

Grated Nutmeg
Skewered Sliced Grapes (3 slices)

Method:

1. Add all ingredients except nutmeg and grapes to shaker.
2. Add ice and shake.
3. Fine strain into coupe with ice chunk.
4. Grate nutmeg over top.
5. Garnish with sliced grapes.

Clarified Buttermilk Syrup:

1. Heat 500ml of Buttermilk until it visibly splits (about 5 minutes).
2. Allow split buttermilk to chill (this will help it stay separated).
3. Filter through cheesecloth carefully not squeezing too hard.
4. Liquid will be almost translucent.
5. Mix equal parts sugar to clarified milk and blend in Vitamix until sugar is dissolved.
6. Store in refrigerator.

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Alo Restaurant
163 Spadina Ave., 3rd Floor
(416) 260-2222

Hours

The Dining Room
Tuesday-Saturday
5:15pm – 10:00pm

The Cocktail Bar
Tuesday-Saturday
5pm – 1am

For more cocktail recipes, visit Toronto Restaurants Ultimate Cocktail Guide.

Alison Roman's Tiny, Salty, Chocolatey Cookies Recipe

There are so many reasons to make these cookies.

First, as Alison notes below, they’re not overly sweet, so they’re ideal for this time of year when you’re inundated with confections, and even savoury dishes are skewing on the sweeter side (I’m looking at you marshmallows, maple syrup, and sweet potato casserole). Second, they’re are as good as #TheCookies. Maybe even better. There, I said it. Don’t @ me. And finally, scientific studies* show cookies are immeasurably more delectable when shared (*okay, it was me), so whip up a batch (or three) to distribute amongst fam and friends this season, because: 1. You’re less likely to eat them all on your own (trust me you’ll be tempted, especially since they’re small - no one will notice if five are missing, right?), and 2. Gifts from the heart are truly the best gifts of all.

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Tiny, Salty, Chocolatey Cookies

makes 24 cookies

6 tablespoons (3⁄4 stick) unsalted butter

21⁄2 cups confectioners’ sugar


3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (see Note)


1 teaspoon kosher salt


2 large egg whites


1 large egg


8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (at least 67% cacao), chopped

1⁄2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, or walnuts (optional)


Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon or Jacobsen

NOTE This is the time to invest in some high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, since that’s mostly what you’ll be tasting here (that, and browned butter).

I am not a chocolate person, but there are some occasions when I want a lightly sweet, definitely salty, chocolatey little something. In those moments, there is nothing better than this something, which I can best describe as the edges of a chewy brownie but in cookie form.

No special equipment, fancy techniques, or chilling time are needed, which means that even if you only bake cookies once a year, you can still make these. Perfect for the end of a meal, when you, too, have decided you’ve just got to have a chocolatey little something.

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.

2 Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat, swirling, until starting to foam and brown, 3 to 4 minutes (whisk the butter from time to time so that the solids don’t stick to the bottom of the pot). Let cool.

3 Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ridding it of as many lumps as possible (if you really want to, feel free to sift everything).

4 Using a spatula, mix in the egg whites, whole egg, and browned butter, stirring until you’ve got a good, smooth-
ish mixture (any small lumps will take care of themselves), followed by the chocolate and any nuts you may want to add.

5 Using a spoon, drop quarter-sized blobs of dough (the texture is really somewhere between a dough and a batter), spacing about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet (they spread a lot). Sprinkle with flaky salt and bake until the cookies have flattened considerably and look baked through and a little wrinkled, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool before eating so they can firm up.

DO AHEAD Cookies can be baked up to 2 days ahead, wrapped tightly, and stored at room temperature.

Alison Roman’s Tiny, Salty, Chocolatey Cookie is excerpted from NOTHING FANCY: UNFUSSY FOOD FOR HAVING PEOPLE OVER © 2019 by Alison Roman. Photography © 2019 by Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott. Reproduced by permission of Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved.

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News December 19-31, 2019

As predicted, this week’s Open/Closed doesn’t disappoint with a whopping 15 arrivals, and almost as many closures and announcements of pending closures. And then alllll the holiday events. Oof.

This year I wrote about thousands of restaurants and I expect to cover even more in 2020. I know, right?

While there will be no Open/Closed on Thursday December 26 (the next one drops Thursday January 2), stay tuned for exciting new features and coverage before year’s end.

In the meantime, 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, and more, and be sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Insta and FB for big announcements in the new year.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Taiwanese tea chain The Alley nabbed a spot on the PATH (120 Adelaide St. W., Unit R3 ). To celebrate, enjoy 10 per cent off all drinks at this location until December 31st.

Aunty Lucy’s Burger Shop (96 Ossington Ave.) by Undisposable and Extra Burger softly opens their gourmet take on the In-N-Out Burger experience happening this weekend.

Bone Soup Malatang (522 Yonge St.) specializes in individual hot pots. Huh. That happens to be a part of the new concept next door that debuted just a month ago, too.

Dine and Dim (633 Gerrard St. E.) has taken over where Pearl Court Restaurant reigned in East Chinatown. The menu is relatively the same downstairs - sushi will be served upstairs at a later date. 

Introducing Gatsby (82 Bathurst St.),“Toronto’s first duelling piano bar.” Uh, okay.

Healthy Indian chain Good Karma has landed at Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.).

Jollibee debuts tomorrow at Vaughan’s Promenade Mall (1 Promenade Circle). If you’re not already in line, better hurry.

The Leslie/Lakeshore ‘hood has changed considerably in recent months. First Farm Boy, now a big LCBO (1015 Lakeshore Blvd. E.), just in time for the holidays.

Libertad Mexicana (133 Jefferson Ave.) in Liberty Village uses local meat, sustainable fish, and boasts a zero food waste kitchen. They also happen to have Braised Duck ($6), Fried Cauliflower ($5), and Braised Beef Tongue ($6) tacos, Spicy Braised Beef Cheek Quesadillas ($9), and Orange Duck Egg Flan ($6) for dessert.

Little Caesars (457 Carlaw Ave.) of all places (they’re still around?), has cropped up next to a No Frills in Leslieville.

Masala Guys is the newest tenant of The Annex Food Hall (384 Bloor St. W.).

OV Sweets (542 Oakwood Ave.) opened earlier this week. The Oakwood-Vaughan shop offers vegan sweets including cakes, cookies and candy.

Gluten-free Colombian-style empanadas Real Empanada Co (825 Dundas St. W.) have arrived in Trinity Bellwoods. Doors officially open Saturday.

Find That Freakin Greek (291 Harbord St.) in the colossal space once home to Smoke Bourbon BBQ (the private event space alone accommodates 100 guests). Their “authentic Greek cuisine” includes an array of starters and sides (Feta Block $11.95, Hot Dog Poutine $8.95), alongside traditional souvlaki, gyros, rotisserie chicken, and hearty mains (Moussaka $16.95, Pastistsio $15.95, Kokkinisto Beef Stew $16.45).

Doors opened Monday for Unicorn Café (561 Bloor St. W.) at Bloor and Bathurst. The unicorn-themed spot courtesy of the folks behind “Toronto's first toilet-themed dessert bar” Poop Café , offers sweet and savoury options against a pastel backdrop awash in unicorns and other “cute” items. There’s also an option to eat a “potted plant” while wearing “a nice and cozy unicorn outfit.” Jesus.

CLOSED

Bean and Baker (326 Harbord St.), “Toronto’s only soda fountain malt shop,” is shutting down after five years. You’ve got until December 24th to visit.

Canoe (66 Wellington St. W.) will be closing for renovations after service on December 31st. They will resume service in March 2020.

Java Joe’s (180 Dundas St. W.) at Dundas and University is currently undergoing renovations.

L’Unità’s (134 Avenue Rd.) last hurrah takes place New Year’s Eve. The new concept by David Minicucci and Chef Rob Rossi (also of award-winning Giulietta) is set to debut Spring 2020.

After eight years, La Société at The Colonnade (131 Bloor St. W.) takes its final bow on December  31st. INK Entertainment will replace it will another resto concept “in the near future.”

On the move for a bigger space, Schnitzel Queen (211 Queen St. E.) says “Auf Wiedersehen” to its Moss Park digs on December 27th. 

The Spoke Club (600 King St W.) is temporarily closing January 1st for “a full venue renovation.”

Earlier this week, Tequila Bookworm (512 Queen St. W.) announced it’s closing at the end of January due to a “recent rent hike.”

T&T Supermarket (222 Cherry St.) is also set to close in January.

Due to “restructuring in Canada.” Four 3 Brewers Canada locations are ceasing service, effective December 31st: Adelaide (120 Adelaide St. W.), Richmond Hill (125 York Blvd., Unit 135), Mavis (5860 Mavis Dr.), and Liberty Village (2 Liberty St.). The remaining GTA locations – Yonge (275 Yonge St.) and Oakville (2041 Winston Park Dr.) - will continue to operate.

EVENTS

Nog Your Socks Off, Toronto. Like you mean it, this time.

Do yourself a favour and don’t miss the Bar Ape Holiday Pop-Up tomorrow and Saturday. Droooool (and I don’t even like gelato).

Head to the Village tomorrow for a Vegan Holiday Party.

Hurry, The Thirsty Elf Pop-Up Bar at Fairmont Royal York wraps up Saturday.

Countdown the holidays with 12 Beers of Christmas at The Gladstone Hotel on Sunday

Toronto Christmas Market continues until Sunday.

The Holiday Market at Evergreen’s Winter Village takes places all weekend.

Holiday Fair in the Square is on until Monday.

Drink all the way to Boxing Day at Miracle Toronto.

Sippin’ Santa at Project Gigglewater goes until the end of the year.

You’ve got until January 5 to enjoy the Aurora Winter Festival at Ontario Place.

NEWS

InterContinental Toronto Centre has a new exec chef, Tim Dunnill, whose last post was at Pusateri’s.

Select Beer Store locations will be open on Boxing Day.

Winterlicious announced their events and restaurants for January, but isn’t it time for something new and more inclusive? Stay tuned.

A perfume e-tailer launched Christmas “bespoke fragrances” including: Scent of Stilton “with notes of buttermilk, cheese and phenols,” Eau Christmas Pudding, and Pigs in Blanket Parfum. P.U.

ICYMI

If you love bubble tea, cheese, being the best gift giver EVER, Nashville Hot Chicken, Popeyes, and Migos, you're going to love this month's issue of The Feed.

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Do you have an upcoming food, drink or chef event coming up? Get the word out to the right audience. 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 partner with Toronto Restaurants? Send me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

The Feed Vol. 05 – Migos x Popeyes, boba blood bags, cheesy cakes, and more

These restaurant discoveries may not always make the headlines, but they’re fascinating nonetheless. 

Check out this month’s unique food and drink news you likely won’t see anywhere else:

1. If you’ve been reading my Open/Closed this last while, you’ll know bubble tea shops, once relegated to the outer edges of the city, have quickly taken over much of the real estate downtown. You may not be aware however, of new trends emerging: from the truly bizarre (DNA Blood Bags and squishy gasoline tanks, for starters) to evolutionary (new arrival The Krys Milktea Bar prides itself on being powder-free, using local milk, and this just in – internet-breaking oat milk). Stay tuned.

2. Cheese cakes. No, not cheesecakes, but cheese cakes. Whether you’re following a Paleo/Keto/Zero Carbs diet, prefer savoury over sweet, or consider yourself a true turophile, wedding cheese cakes might be the best thing to happen to you this year.

Since trying to Google the phrase yields results for mostly the cream cheese and Japanese varieties, start here: Leslieville Cheese Market, Cheese Boutique, and The Pantry Fine Cheese are a few spots around town to place your special order.

And no, you don’t have to be getting hitched to enjoy these cheese towers.

3. Since it’s the holiday season, no doubt you’re looking for great gift ideas for the food-lover on your list. One that’s truly original – and sure to be talked about at family gatherings for years to come -  is a gift certificate from Rodney’s Oyster House.

Not just because Rodney’s is a goddamn institution - around since ye ol’ 1987. Or that you can dig into Oyster Slap Jack Chowder ($11), Adobo Shrimp ($26) or seasonal Periwinkles By The Bowl ($10,) alongside more classic fare of fish and chips, oysters, lobster rolls, etc.

Because they hand draw their gift certificates for any denomination, with even a message if you like, on the inside of oyster shells.

No, you’re crying.

4. Nashville Hot Chicken is fairly easy to come by in the city. In fact, we’ve got actual restaurants dedicated to it (i.e. Chen Chen’s Nashville Hot Chicken, Chica’s Nashville Hot Chicken, Five Points Nashville Hot Chicken, Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken). Even non-poultry-centric eateries offer their take on the spicy sando from Tennessee, including unexpected ones such as: bocce HQ Lob on the eastside, and Earl’s King Street downtown.

Antler’s riff on the traditional preparation, however - Antler Toronto Hot Rabbit ($32) boasting buttermilk fried rabbit dressed with maple syrup and hot sauce, fried nappa cabbage and sliced pickles atop a slab of pullman loaf – might just be the sexiest iteration yet.

5. Speaking of fried chicken, trap trio Migos just partnered with Popeyes and Uber Eats to bring you their favourite menu items.

The holy trinity from Atlanta that brought us the Dab, love the chicken chain so much, they’ve rapped about it (“Stir Fry”), included it in their tour rider (a document outlining items you require backstage and/or in your dressing room), and one member recently tried to sell Popeyes famous sando for a grand a pop.

So the Migos Menu curated by Quavious Keyate Marshall (aka Quavo), Kirshnik Khari Ball (aka Takeoff), and Kiari Kendrell Cephus (aka Offset) isn’t the usual celeb cash grab - they genuinely love the stuff.

Check out the limited-time lineup:

The Takeoff ($14.99)
5 tenders, 2 sauces, 1 regular mashed potatoes, 2 biscuits, 1 apple pie.
The Quavo ($23.99)
10 tenders, 3 sauces, 1 large red beans and rice, 3 biscuits.
The Offset ($29.99)
8 pieces BIC chicken meal, 1 large fries, 1 large mashed potatoes with gravy, 4 biscuits.
Tour Rider ($54.99)
20 tenders, 8 sauces, 1 large mashed potatoes with gravy, 2 large fries, 5 biscuits, 2L drink (Coke).

You’ve got until January 2 to enjoy delivery of these meal options exclusively on Uber Eats Canada in Toronto (including GTA), Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara Region, London, Ottawa, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, and Windsor (Prices and offers vary by location).

Cool fact: Betcha didn’t know the fellas were not only raised together, but are related - It turns out Offset is Quavo's cousin, and Takeoff can legit call Quavo, “Uncle.” Good luck trying to figure out that family tree branch.

p.s. Think you’re above fast food and Popeyes? Chef, TV host, writer, icon, the one and only Anthony Bourdain, who criss-crossed the globe in search of great food, was a devoted fan (to the spicy chicken and mac & cheese, in particular).

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New to The Feed? Catch up on previous issues: Vol. 01, 02, 03, and 04.

Nog Your Socks Off, Toronto

Egg nog is equal parts holiday cheer and nostalgia, but not everyone is a fan of the centuries-old tipple.

The trouble spot is usually the texture - its creamy, eggy thickness is enough to close a thousand throats.

But the divisive tipple has come a long way in recent years. While some folks are fine with the carton variety, the ones made from scratch are inevitably superior. In fact, in the hands of a deft creator, it can be a truly intoxicating elixir.

Which is why the second annual Nog Your Socks Off is such an exciting event.

Thirteen of Toronto’s top bars and restaurants are participating in a week-long celebration of the historic drink. Which is why, if you’ve been on the fence about this holiday milk punch, now’s the time to get on out and into the nog.

Egg nog, but make it great

The city’s best bartenders have created an enticing lineup of boozy, frothy, dreamy, and yes, even vegan concoctions, that will convert even the most adamant abstainers. Ones you’ll pine for long after the tinsel-drenched season has ended.

But that’s not even the best part.

Knock your socks off

While imbibers will be thrilled by the housemade nogs available at participating Toronto bars and restaurants from December 13-20, the cause is just as rousing.

Each bar will donate a portion of its nog sales to Socks 4 Souls Canada https://www.socks4soulscanada.com/, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that provides homeless people with new, clean socks. Donations will be used to buy socks for homeless folks in Southwestern Ontario.

So be the multitasking wonder you are and simultaneously enjoy your nog while doing serious good. Pro tip: start early – the festivities kick off on Friday, December 13 with an All-Night Nog Crawl!

Participating Toronto Restaurants + Bars

à toi
214 King St. W., B1

Antler Kitchen & Bar
1454 Dundas St. W.

Bar Neon
1226 Bloor St. W.

Civil Liberties
878 Bloor St. W.

Earlscourt BBQ*
1278 St Clair Ave. W.

Famous Last Words
392 Pacific Ave.

Founder
1282 Dundas St. W.

The Gaslight
1426 Bloor St. W.

The Good Fork
1550 Dundas St. W.

Grey Tiger
1190 Bloor St. W.

Maple Leaf Tavern
955 Gerrard St. E.

PrettyUgly
1237 Queen St. W.

Supermarket Bar
268 Augusta Ave.

*Temporarily closed due to fire.

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For more information, visit nogyoursocksoff.ca.

Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News December 12-18, 2019

This week’s 14 arrivals are all over the map, both in cuisine and geographically speaking. Which is a good thing, because wo/man cannot live on frozen pizza and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos alone.

Here’s the very latest:


OPEN

In the mood for Montreal-style bagels? Bagels On Fire (426 Queen St. W.) just west of Spadina, has got you covered.

Chef Paul Kim’s DOMA (50C Clinton St.) was an elevated Korean restaurant with creative tasting menus boasting French influences and techniques. He’s since transformed it into Boonsik (50C Clinton St.), specializing in more casual Korean street food. Doors opened Tuesday.

The Butcher Chef (8 Harbour St.) took forever to open. And no, I’m not exaggerating: Their first logo was uploaded back in 2015, so it’s def been a minute. The new steakhouse, located near Scotiabank Arena (and even closer to another meat HQ, Harbour 60), is courtesy of Dabic Hospitality Group, the folks behind carnivore-centric spots Michaels on Simcoe and Oakville’s Oliver’s Steakhouse.

Casablanca Supper Club (1108 Dundas St W.) at Dundas and Ossington debuted last night. On the menu: Tapas, cocktails and champagne.

Last week, I told you about the rebranding of Church’s Texas Chicken. The newest location to get the Lone Star State treatment? Their Scarborough outpost at Midland and Eglinton (2510 Eglinton Ave. E.).

Art gallery Cry Baby Gallery (1468 Dundas St. W.) comes with its own cocktail bar, making it feel like opening night every night.

Look up from your comic book/graphic novel/video game: The Good Sweets (1162 Queen St. W.) bakery/café with “a delightfully geeky twist” (think Star Wars, Doctor Who, Harry Potter and comic book-themed cakes, cupcakes, etc.) opens today, with a grand opening event to follow on Saturday.

Hooked officially opens its shop just off the South Kingsway (18 Ripley Ave.) today. Look for it across from Cheese Boutique.

Kinton Ramen opens its 11th location (110 Harbour St., Unit 108B) on Saturday, right next to sister spot Kinka Izakaya that debuted two weeks ago.

Authentic Taiwanese resto Mabu Generation landed in Markham (First Markham Place, 3235 Highway 7 East., Unit 23-26) over two years ago. Don’t want to hike all that way? Head to their new digs downtown at Yonge and Wellesley (578 Yonge St.).

Piano Piano (623 Mount Pleasant Rd.) launched their Mount Pleasant Village venue Monday in what was once home to Birch Bistro, Mar Bar, Célestin, and at one time, a branch of CIBC. This is the second outpost for the buzzy pizza/pasta eatery.

Oakville’s Por Vida, home of “Mezcal and Mexican” (2330 Lakeshore Rd. W.) celebrated its grand opening last week.

The Taverniti Group (Trattoria Taverniti and Rosina Ristorante) just added Tav’s Resto Bar (589 College St.) - a “gnocchi bar” with pizza, pasta and gelato - to its growing portfolio.

While it’s well outside the city limits, it’s worth nothing that long-standing southern Italian food destination 7Numbers, with iconic Mama Rose at the helm, launches the Prince Edward County outpost (161 Main St., Picton) tomorrow.

CLOSED

A grease fire Tuesday at Earlscourt BBQ (1278 St Clair Ave. W.) has shut down the restaurant. At least for now. No injuries have been reported. They hope to reopen in time for their New Year’s Eve Pig Roast. Stay tuned.

There’s been a lot of movement on Yonge between Bloor and College this past while. The latest to shutter: Le Chanceux Ice Cream & Tea (526 Yonge St.), later renamed Le Chanceux Nitrogen. Debuting just months ago in July, it’s now papered up.

The Wickson Social (5 St. Joseph St.) is temporarily closed due extensive water damage “from a failed water pipe in the condos above,” according to owner Andrew Carter. The space has to be totally rebuilt, hopefully in as little as three months. In the meantime, you can visit his other location, British gastro pub The Oxley (121 Yorkville Ave.) in Yorkville.

EVENTS

Nog Your Socks Off kicks off tomorrow with an all-night nog crawl!

Miss Thing’s is holding a month long Aloha Christmas Cocktail Party in their Coconut Room.

Head to Exhibition Place on Saturday for Toronto’s first annual ugly-sweater themed I❤BEER + Mac & Cheese Festival.

Union Restaurant’s Christmas Market takes place on Sunday. On the agenda: hot drinks, spiced nuts, holiday-themed movies, and a “special guest.”

Pai Northern Thai Kitchen is celebrating the season with a Holiday Market on Dec 14 and 21.

PSST - TR EXCLUSIVES

Keith Pears (Delta Toronto) has been named Executive Chef for the W Hotel (90 Bloor St. E.) launching this summer.

The Dine & Dim sign has gone up at what was recently Pearl Court on Gerrard, with plans to open before year’s end.

Amber nightclub in Yorkville closed after 20 years just two months ago. The venue has been scooped up by Andrew Carter of The Oxley and The Wickson Social, with an opening date tentatively set for March.

NEWS

Farm Boy just announced they’re adding five more locations in Toronto and GTA.

Beyond Beef has arrived north of the border, but has the moment already passed?

It seems like a lot of work went into the new Pizza Pizza Special Edition Raptors GameBoxes.

Non-alcohol CBD-Infused drinks, Everie by Fluent Beverages, are coming soon, with ready-to-brew teas set to launch in December, and sparkling beverages to follow in 2020. To brush up on what to expect by way of cannabis and CBD food and drinks, read this.

In more hotel news this week: The Hazelton Hotel is undergoing another major renovation and The Westin Prince Hotel will soon be Pan Pacific Toronto.

ICYMI

In this month's At The Pass, get to know Executive Pastry Chef Jill Barber of newly renovated - and just reopened - Paradise on Bloor.

Intimidated by cooking fish? Especially whole ones? All you need is this simple, yet enticing recipe by Alison Roman from her new cookbook, Nothing Fancy.

Introducing The Tip Off.


FYI 

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