The last week in October means it’s time to celebrate Halloween, and all that bounty that fall brings. 

It’s also time to start thinking about the holidays. Ack!

In the meantime, check out this week’s fantastic news:

Open:

Del Ray So-Cal Cantina
620 Queen St. W.

This Southern California themed cantina bar with “Mexican flair,” serves up drinks alongside tacos, quesadillas, 7-layer dip, chili 'n cornbread, empanadas, cornbread stuffed jalapeños, and nachos.

Nana
785 Queen St. W. 

The owner of Khao San Road opened yet another Thai restaurant. We’ll have a closer look soon.

Pig Out BBQ
650 Spadina Ave.

This cheap eats spot at the corner of Spadina and Harbord offers BBQ in the way of regular menu items as well as daily specials including pulled chicken and pork, brisket, wings and ribs. 

Which sounds more fun to you: Wet Nap Wednesdays or Frickin’ Chicken Fridays?

The Tempered Room
1374 Queen St. W.

Chef Bertrand Alépée (The Tempered Chef) opened his Parkdale pâtisserie, The Tempered Room, offering everything from éclairs to croissants with some savoury selections as well.

Go ahead and indulge. It’s big sweater season anyway.

Soon to arrive:

The big news in the city is that U.S. chain Wahlburgers is opening their doors soon. On November 15th, in fact. Don’t fret - we’re getting you a sneak peek next week. 

We’re also working on more big openings and events, so be sure to also follow us on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss a thing! 

Expansions:

Queen Margherita Pizza opened its third location Tuesday at 772 Dundas St. W., while Bobette & Belle’s cult cupcakes make their way north of Lawrence at 3347 Yonge St.

Closings:

Proving that just because you’re on Dundas West doesn’t mean you’re insulated from what's happening citywide- The Grove announced it will be serving its last meal on November 15th. 

Events:

It’s Halloween weekend. Don’t worry if you still haven’t decided where to go – I’ve got 5 great options for you. 

Should you wish to celebrate Day of the Dead, head on over to El Catrin this Sunday.

Go north for lunch and dinner during Savour York Region Restaurant Week. The prix-fixe meal specials end Sunday.

Celebrate World Vegan Day at Sweet Hill Festival with vegan sweets and desserts.

Should your sweet tooth still need satisfying head to the Toronto Chocolate Festival, and The 4th Annual Luxury Toronto Chocolate Show, both on until Sunday.

And something to look forward to - on Saturday, I’ll be posting events happening in November. It’s already lengthy, so be sure to leave room in your calendar for some food, wine and chocolate events. Lots and lots of chocolate.

And lastly:

It’s November on Saturday, so it’s time to start thinking about your Christmas parties and dinners. We’ve put together a holiday guide for group bookings. 

Everyone always asks me where to go for eggs benny and the like. Here’s a list of my top 20 picks for brunch. Warning: many of your usual suspects will not be on it. 

Itching to cook upsome serious comfort foods? I’ve rounded up my favourite five new cookbooks, perfect for making fabulous fall fare for friends and family. And yes, all those f's were deliberate.

Dine.TO is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Culinary Showdown! Read all about this year's celebrity chefs and help us raise money for this important cause.