Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! It’s going to be a food-filled holiday, so grab your comfiest clothes and enjoy one of the best holiday meals of the year. 

In the meantime, I’ve got a ton of spectacular news! 

You might just want to hold onto those stretchy pants. You’re going to need them after this:

Buca Osteria & Bar
53 Scollard St. 

It’s not quite here yet. But I spoke with Chef Rob Gentile, who confirmed that opening day is Tuesday, October 14th. Get ready for the frenzy and madness. I’ll have an inside look coming your way soon, so stay tuned!

Fresh Off The Boat
404 Queen St. W.

The food options at Queen and Spadina continue to improve. The launch party for FOTB happens tonight, so get ready to tuck into summery fresh seafood sandwiches, poboys, rolls and salads. 

Stoney’s Bread Company
1045 The Queensway

If you’re looking for fresh, healthy food made fast, Stoney’s is the spot. This already famous spot in Oakville opened out on the Queensway on Monday, located close to one of the busiest movie theatres.

Serving soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas, with brunch available on Sundays, it will no doubt be a hit in its second location.

Tree Top African Cafe
620 Dundas St. W.

Well this is something. The long-empty café between Bathurst and Spadina has opened, serving up food (Fish, chicken, couscous and juluf rice, for example), coffee (Ethiopian blends are popular) and tea. Never say never.

Expansion:

Terroni is said to be opening Dopolavoro Italian Restaurant in Downtown LA come 2015. 

New menus:

I absolutely love when new menus are launched. Both for the season’s best produce (Cauliflower! Squash! Garlic!) and because it gives us a chance to try something new for the places we love the most. 

So in addition to #FallMenuWatch, where I’ll be bringing you an up-close look at some of the city’s best restaurants (check out the new offerings at TOCA), here are some recent menu launches: Mata Petisco Bar, One and Sparrow for dinner, and Eastside Social, Linda Modern Thai and Patois for brunch.

Trevor Kitchen & Bar is doing #fallfoie with fun, inventive takes on the decadent ingredient such as Bacon & Foie Gras Devilled Eggs; Rolled Brisket & Foie; and Salt cured Foie Gras BLT on toasted brioche. And Ossington Stop added Cabbage Rolls, Stuffed Crepe and Borsch to their menu, ideal in this cooler weather.

For those looking for new cocktails, look no further than Ryoji Ramen & Izakaya. The new menu includes Awamori Negroni [Awamori (Japanese distilled long grained rice alcoholic beverage native to Okinawa), Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Bitters], Warm Breeze (Tequila, Lime, Cointreau, Wasabi, Egg White), and Shochu Tonic (Shochu, Hibiscus, Citrus Oils, Goya, Tonic Water). 

Closed:

Penrose Fish & Chips closed their doors Wednesday night after six decades. Thank you Johnston family, for all the years of wonderful food and memories.

Events:

Book Launches - Matt Basile’s (of Lisa Marie & Fidel Gastros) Street Food Diaries: Irresistible Recipes Inspired by the Street, and Amy Rosen’s Toronto Cooks both launched this week.

Pimenton is holding a Perfect Paella class tonight.

You'll want to do Saturday's Savour Toronto Best of the West Tour. It comes with "Six generous tastings" and alcohol.

Restaurants for Change held their media launch on Tuesday night. Read why you’re going to want to make reservations for Oct 22 in this week’s article. I'll be live tweeting from one of the participating restaurants that night, so make sure you're following us on our social media!

Eat to the Beat is quickly approaching, so don’t forget to get your tickets before they sell out. Our own Rose Reisman will bet there!

And find out  what this year’s celebrity chefs are planning to do to win at this year’s KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Culinary Challenge. 

Turkey related:

With Thanksgiving this weekend, there is a lot to do and eat, so here are some helpful hints:

Kanga is creating some very limited quantity turkey pies. 

Should you wish to go out for Thanksgiving this year, here is our guide of restaurants doing Thanksgiving meals and my top 5 picks for Thanksgiving.

If you are getting a turkey this holiday, you can buy a second to feed a family in your community. Drop off a turkey (or cash equivalent) at your local food bank. 

And lastly:

Like to plan ahead? Here’s a short preview of events happening in October.