While the openings and closings may have slowed for just a quick second, the news and events are still as exciting as ever.

Check out the very latest:
 

Open:

The Commodore
1265 Queen St. W.

Jon Vettraino (Splendido, 416 Snackbar) and Jason Romanoff (Nota Bene and Pizzeria Libretto) have opened The Commodore in Parkdale, offering shareable plates, craft cocktails and Ontario craft beer. Menu items include a Hard Salad ($10), Duck Confit Crepe ($12), Sweet Cheeks – 3 day braised pork cheek and tongue ($12) and Grilled Bavette ($18).

Kekou Gelato House
394 Queen St. W.
 
Their Baldwin St. location is closed for the season, but not to worry – your Asian gelato is now available just a few blocks south.

Lone Star Texas Grill
212 King St. W.
 
The spot formerly occupied by Bourbon Street Bistro & Oyster Bar is now Long Star Texas Grill. Yes, Tex-Mex can now be yours in the Entertainment District.

Siddhartha Indian Cuisine
734 Queen St. E.
 
Once home to a hairdresser is now a teeny Indian takeout (there is one table for two if you want to eat in) and delivery. Combos are $8.99 whether you choose meat or vegetarian. Wraps ($8.99) include Chicken Tikka, Goan Fish and Mutton Kati. Snacks ($4.99) range from various pouris to an Onion Bhakia to Aloo Tikki and the usual lassis and shakes are also available to complete your meal. Expect lineups.

Events:

Today is National Soft Taco Day and tomorrow is National Taco Day. Find out where the top 5 restaurants are to celebrate. 

Smoke’s Poutinerie  is having their 6th Annual World Poutine Eating Championship this Saturday at Yonge and Dundas Square. There's free poutine from 10am-4pm. And in case that’s not enough, there’s a chef’s demo, a beer garden, prizes and a KISS cover band.

Also happening this Saturday, Nuit Blanche.

Toronto gets its first food film fest. And it's awesome. Find out more about Eatable, happening Oct 4-6.

News:

For awhile there this week, you could buy a raffle ticket for $150 for the chance to own The Das Gasthaus.   It’s on hold for the moment due to complications with the site where the tickets are being sold. Stay tuned.

And lastly:
 
Eat & Drink Local. Really local at Toronto restaurants with FeastON.

Bricco Kitchen & Wine Bar in The Junction serves not only some of the city’s best Italian fare, it’s also one of the most stunning, original rooms in the country.

Take your entertaining up a notch with Chef Mark McEwan's stellar caviar recipe.

In his first column, Afrim Pristine looks back to when Canadian cheese was in its infancy, and how far it's come since then.