Toronto Restaurants by Stephanie Dickison

View Original

Open/Closed for week of May 12-18

One thing Toronto’s restaurant scene can be proud of? It’s never boring.

Check out this week’s exciting openings, along with some closings and one change that proves just how fierce the seafood trend is right now:

The Forth
629 Danforth Ave.

Isn't it time the Danforth had something epic? Somewhere to get a little dressed up even? 

The Forth, opening their doors this past Wednesday, could be just that. After all, it's got two floors of 8,000 sq feet that feels like an upscale hotel and comes as close to fine dining as Greektown has ever known. 

With the stove being manned by Executive Chef Chris Kalisperas (Brassaii) and the menu boasting such modern concoctions as Foie gras torchon ($19) with salted granola, marshmallow and strawberry, and a brunch menu that features eggs benny with duck confit, we might just have something notable on our hands.

Fingers crossed.

Back of House
181 Carlaw Ave.

Back of House takes over where River Rock Café was on Carlaw. This li’l spot might seem like your typical cafe at first glance, but the seemingly simple menu features an oxtail and beef burger ($10), duck manh mi ($8) and a buttermilk chicken sandwich ($8).

Whoa.

The rest of the menu is just as impressive with salads (pork belly Caesar - $8) and all day breakfasts, including sous vide eggs ($9). 

Toss aside your usual bagel. Your meal just got upgraded.

Dundas and Carlaw
1173 Dundas St. E.

Continuing just half a block north from Back of House is Dundas and Carlaw. What might seem at first glance to be yet another neighbourhood coffee house (really?), actually serves beer, as well and offers a decent sized patio on the corner to people watch.

Now that’s what I call a coffee shop.

Closed

Ginger
252 Carlton St.

Ginger is a chain, so you might not be too broken up about their location closing at Carlton and Parliament. But for those who love a good cheap meal on the go (and those spring rolls!), the Cabbagetown location will be sorely missed.

Peter Pan
373 Queen St. W.

It has been reported that this iconic resto is going to be reopened under the same name with new owners at the helm.

Peter Pan outlasted almost every other joint on Queen West, and at one time was a sexy spot for date night and offered a sweet patio in the back.

How nice that we get to witness what the 2.0 version will be.

Change

Fish Camp
244 Jane St.

Camp Restaurant is now Fish Camp. This cute spot on Annette now serves up treasures from the sea, like oysters on horseback (oysters wrapped in bacon - $3 ea.), clam chowder ($5/$8) and a fish cake on a milk bun ($15). 

Also available - a raw oyster bar, as well as daily specials like buck-a-shuck Wednesdays and Taco Thursdays.

Your omega-3s are about to skyrocket.