Open/Closed for the week of July 28 - Aug 3

Wow, what an exhilarating week! The city is alive with exciting things to do and new restaurants to try out. And thanks to the long weekend, you’ve got extra time to enjoy it all!

Here’s this week’s dizzying round up:

Now Open:

Colette Grand Café
550 Wellington St. W.

We got a sneak peek at new French resto Colette Wednesday, before they opened their doors to the public yesterday (check out our Instagram and Twitter for the pics). 

The beautiful room seats 150, nestled into different areas over 5,000 sq. ft. – library, lounge, café, patio.  The interior design details are exquisite - barrel vault ceilings, French cafe-style seating, and hand-painted tiles in traditional Parisian hues (blues, yellows, and whites). 

A take-out bakery counter allows you to get your meals to go. Lunch service starts next week and brunch will happen later in the summer.

We’ll have a closer look for you soon.

Tzatziki
873 Pape Ave.

Serving up gyros that aren't teaming with grease and homemade Hellenic dishes, add this new Greek restaurant (just north of the Danforth) to your to-do list.

Various coffees, homemade Greek yogurt and desserts are availablevia Macchiato Espresso Bar, adjoined in back.

Refuel Juice & Salad Bar
1633 Bayview Ave.

This tiny juice spot knows that with all that running around trying to get a parking spot on Bayview, you’re going to need refueling. Smart.

The grand opening happens tomorrow.

Kadbanu
771 Dundas St. W.

Celebrating their grand opening on Wednesday, Kadbanu - sister restaurant to Banu - offers traditional Iranian dishes as well as Persian brunch. 

For those looking to satiate their craving for offal, get the Zaban (braised cow tongue).

News:

Montecito
299 Adelaide St. W.

Montecito moved out of its soft opening and into officially opening. Their patio launches next week. And in case you missed what they’re all about, read this.

Nadege
780 Queen St. W.

Nadege's limited edition artist packaging series making gift giving to your foodie friends all the easier.

Nadege is famous for their French macarons. Today, a limited-edition collectors’ series featuring the work of six Canadian artists launches, and is available for purchase in stores and online. The Artist Packaging Series box contains 16 macarons and retails for $38 (price does not include shipping for online purchases).

This month’s designer is Virginia Johnson (Illustrator & Fashion Designer). Designers to follow are: Steve Krug (Photographer), Jerome C. Rousseau (Luxury Shoe Designer), ROLLOUT (Creative Studio), Brandon James Scott (Animation Artist) and Matthew Del Degan (Creator of Lovebot). 

Linda Modern Thai
11 Karl Fraser Rd.

Linda Modern Thai launched new summer lunch and dinner menus this week, offering lighter dishes and more seafood options such as Grilled Seafood in Banana Leaf (market price), and daily market fresh lobster or fish, cooked a variety of ways.

Bar Mercurio
270 Bloor St. W.

You’ve got until August 9th to take part in the "Love Our Pizza or It's Free!" challenge. Don’t miss out.

And in other news:

Chef Alex Molitz left Farmhouse Tavern to go to Hinterland Winery. Taking over, former sous chef Tom Wade got promoted to top spot. He's been sous since December, and according to owner Darcy MacDonell, has been "instrumental in the improvements at Farmhouse." Very exciting. 

Former restaurant Dyne gets resuscitated, thanks to a new pop up menu at Bar Negroni. Dishes such as Dyne’s lobster salad and cod fritters will be available for a limited time.

Toronto’s only floating restaurant, Captain John’s - which hasn’t been in operation for years - has been sold and will be removed. Hey, that means there's room for a new one!

KFC will be serving beer alongside their dishes in the fall at two Toronto locations, and Red Lobster is changing to vertical presentation on round plates in order to keep with the times. 

Events:

Rogers Cup starts tomorrow and you’re going to want to be at the top of your game for hours of watching balls go back and forth. Lucky for you, Lavazza - the exclusive coffee provider throughout the tournament and stadiums- welcomes fans to join them at their Courtside Coffee Lounge for cup of coffee or a Rogers Cup exclusive cocktail. 

And if you’re in need of caffeine after the games, Lavazza’s Espression shop will be opening at the King Edward Hotel soon. Stay tuned. Details to come.

Tomorrow is Anita Stewart’s Food Day Canada. Learn more about it here. 

Last night, Executive Chef Ned Bell (of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and YEW seafood + bar) spoke at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto to promote Chefs for Oceans, his bike ride across Canada to raise awareness for sustainable seafood.  

The room was packed with supporters ranging from celebrity chefs, various media and the founder and chairman of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts himself, Mr. Isadore Sharp, wearing a rakish floppy hat.

Ned’s passionate journey will take him 11 weeks to complete. Find out more about at Chefs for Oceans.

The first Toronto Food Truck Festival takes place tomorrow and Sunday at Woodbine Park. Over 50 food truck vendors will be on hand to feed you. My advice? Try as many dishes as you can and bring hand wipes. Lots and lots of hand wipes.

And don’t forget:

It’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade this weekend. Check out my picks for best eats. 

And since it’s the long weekend, you might want to grab a glass (or pitcher) of sangria or spend time on a Baldwin St. or a patio or simply chill out. 

Be sure to vote for your favourite restaurants.