Open/Closed for the week of October 19-25
What truly fascinating openings this week. There’s a little bit of everything including wild boar, fancy toasts, endless beer, Cuban fare and elevated sushi. And a host of events that will leave little time for anything else but eating and drinking. How great is that?
Here’s the very latest:
Antler Kitchen & Bar
1454 Dundas St. W.
Chef Michael Hunter (formerly of Reds Tavern) is celebrating Canadian food with a twist at his new restaurant. Game is highlighted in appetizers such as Wild Boar Gyoza and entrees of Spice Ash Crusted Rack of Deer and Game Burger (made with wild boar, bison and deer); and Pappardelle with braised rabbit, buttered leeks, verjus apricot preserve and parmesan cheese.
Currently open for dinner, brunch and lunch is to soon follow. Game on.
Bar Hop Brewco
137 Peter St.
An offshoot of Bar Hop, this mega space not only offers a ton of great craft beers, Chef Mark Cutrara (formerly of Cowbell) is doing the food.
Fring’s
455 King St. W.
Finally! Drake and Susur’s new spot is now open. The new spot offers resos starting at 7pm and going as late as 11:30pm.
The menu boasts appetizers, toasts (not just for breakfast anymore), side and entrees including The Susur Burger ($24), Canadian Prime grass fed served with "J.K. Frites."
Cocktails range from floral (Kentucy $16 - plum sake, junmai sake, Belvedere, yuzu, edible flowers, basil pods) to savoury (BBQ Caesar $18 - Wild Turkey bourbon, Tromba tequila, Belvedere, hickory smoke, worcestershire, tabasco, clamato, BBQ jalapeño).
I’ll have a closer look soon.
Fruitful Market
327 Carlaw Ave.
Part grocery store (organic fruit and veg, meats), part take out (recent salads include Turkish rocket with pomegranate, Heirloom potato salad, and Kale and delicata squash), the new food store has breakfast, lunch and dinner in the works.
Shoushin
3328 Yonge St.
Shoushin on Yonge north of Lawrence gives head chef Jackie Lin (formerly of Zen) a swish new spot to showcase his talents with three dazzling omakase tasting menus ($80, $125 and $250).
Authentic Toyko-style sushi, never fusion, made with seasonal ingredients is the specialty here. The sleek space boasts a sushi bar made from hinoki wood, a prized Japanese cypress. Shoushin is one of only two North American spots to have such a bar. Stay tuned for an inside look soon.
Sumach Espresso
118 Sumach St.
The new Regent Park coffee shop is brought to you by Mike Cullen, who also owns Broadview Espresso.
In addition to some of the best coffee in the city and a great vibe, the shop carries fresh pastries.
Events:
Tonight put on your fancy shoes and head to The Chocolate Ball.
Cask Days are here again. Starting tomorrow and lasting until Sunday, this epic annual beer fest returns for its 11th year. With more than 300 beers and ciders served on cask, you’ve got some serious work to do.
Tomorrow, have Shabbat Dinner with Zane Caplansky at the Monarch Tavern. The intimate Shabbat dinner will be featuring traditional Jewish recipes.
On Friday, tour the Whisky Tasting Tunnel at CC Lounge, tasting small batch whiskies along the way.
One sure way to feel like a kid again? Pass The Table's School Dinner at Hawthorne Food & Drink on Saturday.
Saturday’s Indian to French: The 100ft Journey starts at Pukka and ends at Concession Road.
Whatever you do, head to FeastON’s Pigstock on Monday.
Eat to the Beat happens this coming Tuesday. Don’t miss out on one of the year’s biggest culinary events.
On Wednesday and Thursday of next week, head to Cuba via Bacardi Paladar. This exclusive two-day-only Cuban pop-up restaurant & rum bar at Cold Tea Bar in Kensington Market features a collab with Toronto’s own chef Matty Matheson (Parts & Labour), and Miami-based third generation Cuban chef, Eileen Andrade. Get ready for food, cocktails, music and dancing you won’t soon forget.
Savour York Region Restaurant Week continues with pre-fixe lunch and dinner menus available until November 1st.
And lastly:
The Junction is one of the best dining 'hoods in the city. Here's why.
Miku's aburi sushi and fine Japanese fare is a must.
Your favourite celebrity chefs and cookbook authors are coming to town.
Take FeastON’s east end culinary tour this weekend.
The Burger Cellar is more than gourmet burgers and wine. Take a look.
Get Vegas glitz + glam via Mississauga’s new 17 Steakhouse and Bar.