Open/closed for week of December 1-7

Restaurants are still opening, squeaking in just before the holidays. And there are more to come in the new few weeks! 

In the meantime, here is all the excitement happening right now:

Open:

Bespoke Butchers
171 East Liberty St., Unit 155

If you’re looking for local produce and meat, this new shop in Liberty Village direct-sources as much product as possible straight from small, low environmental-impact farms and ethically and sustainably minded farmers. Find a variety of meats, produce and preserves, as well as Community Supported Agriculture Boxes (CSA).

Borealia
59 Ossington Ave.

I got a preview of Evelyn Wu and Wayne Morris’ Borealia back in the summer at a pop up they did at The Yukon Bar and it is was once of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had. 

Most folks will no doubt talk about the giant whelk (a sea snail that is both beautiful and delicious), but the menu boasts a range of fascinating dishes such as: Pigeon Pie, mussels smoked in pine needles, and Kedgeree (a mélange of rice, flaked fished, hard boiled eggs, curry, cream and parsley – Morris’ version includes rice crackers).

I’ll have a closer look for you next week.

Savoury
The Westin Harbour Castle - 1 Harbour Square

Stunning. Simply stunning. If you’ve ever wanted a completely unique dining experience, look no further than the new Savoury at The Westin Harbour Castle.

Not only is the engaging, entertaining and passionate Chef Corbin Tomaszeski now Chef Corbin at The Westin Harbour Castle – he’s completed changed the game with Savoury, a private room for only 10 that’s completely decked out with a stove, deep-fryer, wine cellar and European meat slicer. You can also book Corbin for your 5-course meal. Ack!

He’s is also hard at work on the rest of the hotel’s menus, so get ready for a lip-smacking burger and enticing salads and mains in early to mid-January.

I can’t wait to show you. Coming soon…
 
CC Lounge
45 Front St. E.

CC Lounge was supposed to open its lavish doors this past Tuesday, but like with many establishments in the city, it got slightly delayed. The soft opening is now slated for Saturday.

This whisky lounge & supper club will be offering whisky and cheese pairings, and a full dinner menu by Chef Brent Richardson.

Of note, the custom-made whisky tasting tunnel, with over 100 whiskys from around the globe.

I’ll have an inside look coming your way soon.

Expansion:

India Palace on Queen West gave way to Little India’s expansion. Little India’s new double space will allow guests to fill up the original location first, with additional diners seated in the newer, adjoining room.

Events:

DEQ in the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is offering a themed tea every Saturday and Sunday in December, before Christmas, as well as Tuesday, Dec 23 and Wednesday, Dec24. The Nutcracker Tea includes both savoury and sweet selections with a host of  artisanal teas by Toronto Master Tea sommelier Hoda Paripoush.

This Sunday, the Pocket Community Association is hosting Santa’s Frozen Festival at Phin Avenue Parkette (115 Condor Ave., just south of Danforth Avenue and east of Jones Avenue) starting at 1 p.m. While the movie Frozen will be shown (cover your ears or just sing along), Santa and his elves be available for pics with kits and pets, and hot chocolate, popcorn and hot dogs will be served. Local artisans will be on hand selling their crafts. Donations of non-perishable food as well as cash will be accepted for the food bank at Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre. 

Check out halal burgers, poutine and tacos at The Holy Grill pop-up by Le Cordon Bleu grad Chef Aleem Sayed, held at The Midpoint. This preview of the food truck to launch in early 2015 is available through email reservation only -  chefaleemreservations@gmail.com.

The 40th Annual One of a Kind Christmas Show is on until Sunday.

You’ve got until Dec 21st to enjoy the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery and until Dec 24th for the #localTOmrkt at 335 Yonge St.

Guiding you through the holidays:

Our handy holiday guide is here to help you select establishments for all work and social functions this season.

Don’t forget to include brunch in your holiday plans this year. We’ve got a great brunch guide of the city’s top 20 spots.

If you want elevated dining, look to our Distinguished Guide, a carefully curated list of upscale restaurants.

If you’ve got food fans on your holiday list this year, our Foodie Gift Guide has some fun suggestions.

Articles of the week:

If you love to dine out and meet new people, check out some social supper clubs happening around town.

We break down the new category of East Mediterranean for you. 

EDO does more than just sushi. This long-standing restaurant honours Japanese tradition.