Open/Closed for the week of August 25-31
Our open/closed lists will now run every Thursday to coincide with our newsletter. So be sure to sign up – go to our homepage and click ‘Sign Up’ in the top right-hand corner. It just takes a sec and this way, you’ll be sure not to miss out on any news!
And in restaurant news this week, we’ve got some doozies, so let’s jump right in:
Open:
Ronny B’s Southern Kitchen and Taps
243 Carlton St.
Ronny B’s celebrated their grand opening this Monday. With live jazz and housemade specialties that include chicken wings and waffles, mac and cheese spring rolls and something called “dirty bread,” they bring their modern version of the south to the east end.
With Peter's Cajun Creole Pizza down the block, Cabbagetown now has the potential to become Toronto’s own French Quarter. How great would that be?
Thoroughbred Food & Drink
304 Richmond St. W.
Despite being closed for “technical difficulties” last night and their grand opening not happening until Monday, Thoroughbred Food & Drink is open. This multi-level restaurant and bar offers everything from Kung Pao Cauliflower to guest DJs in the house. And being located in the Entertainment District, they can cater to both the suits and late night crowd.
Win-win.
News:
Victor Restaurant & Lounge launched a stellar new brunch menu on Saturday.
While Duggan’s Brewery in Parkdale isn’t open yet (coming this October), you can enjoy their pop-ups (announced via Twitter), and starting last Friday, their #9 IPA 473ml cans made their way into the LCBO. Oh, and Jamie Kennedy is the Executive Chef. But he’s most likely going to create the menu, not be there to execute it - he has his restaurants and food line to concentrate on.
Burger King bought Tim Hortons. Everyone made Whopper jokes except us.
Closed:
Ardor Bistro closed and is becoming Borealia. Remember that amazing pop-up I went to? After a dinner like that, no doubt it will be one of the best openings of the year. Quinta closed, but the owner is reopening it as Essen, specializing in “Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine.”
And Chef/Owner Vishal Ramsuchit has sold Trapper's after a successful 27 year run.
Closing:
Yours Truly announced via Instagram that September would be their last month. Details on what’s happening to come. Yorkville haunt Coffee Mill will close its doors on Sunday, September 7th, after 51 years, and just as TIFF gets underway.
There have been a lot of closings as of late. Read more about why here.
Changing:
Starfish Oyster is set to become Pearl Diver, with a more “East Asian flair” and small plates. With renos, owner (and Guinness World Record Shucker) Patrick McMurray expects an October opening. I'll keep you posted.
Events:
It’s the long weekend! Let’s celebrate!
As part of Momofuku’s Guest Bartender Series, John Debary - bar director of Momofuku NYC - will in the house at daishÅ tonight from 5:30pm- 10pm. Now you can’t say the drinks are better in New York. Reservations are recommended, but limited space will also be available for walk-ins.
Sutra Indian Asian Fusion’s grand opening happens holiday Monday. Finally, you can satiate your cravings for Hakka, Thai, Indian and Chinese all in one sitting.
Tonight at 6 pm, Silent Partners: Truly Local Food takes a look at urban argriculture in Toronto with host, Scott Sniedzins, founder of Truly Local Farms Ltd., a business aimed towards "promoting, designing and installing living plant systems in order for homeowners to grow their own food."
Coming Soon:
In the next few weeks, there are some truly exhilarating openings and we've also got some great new features and columns launching this fall. I’ll have the full scoop for you here every Thursday, but be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, so you’ll know as soon as it happens.
And next week I'll be bringing you all the latest on TIFF happenings - and hopefully a few sightings!