Today marks the last day of Winterlicious, and then the rest of the weekend will be filled with Valentine’s Day celebrations.

By the time you get to Monday, you’ll be relieved to know it was actually a long weekend, thanks to Family Day, so relax and enjoy this much-deserved day off!

In the meantime, I’ve got some great news.

 

Open:

Wilcox Gastropub
30 Eglinton Ave. W.

The Wilcox celebrated their grand opening this past Saturday. Enticing menu items include Confit Duck Sliders, Braised Lamb Shank, Lobster Poutine, and Cassava Frites.  

Wingburger
1733 Eglinton Ave. E.

Officially, tentatively opening on Monday, this spot specializes in wings and burgers that are fresh, never frozen. Wing sauces include scorpion hot, regular hot, sriracha buffalo, medium, habanero BBQ, regular BBQ, honey garlic, pineapple curry and orange ginger, which can be added to your patty.

Krystos Modern Greek Cuisine 
9218 Yonge St.

This is the second location for Krystos, offering Spartan- and Macedonian-influenced Greek cuisine.

Expansion:

Hawker Bar  
164 Ossington Ave.

We got a sneak peek of the new expansion on Monday night (check out our Instagram for pics). The new dining room on the second floor offers more than double the space of the downstairs and is available to reserve starting today, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

I spoke with Chef Alec Martin, who has been with Hawker since the beginning and is “branching out more from Singapore food; playing around and putting my own touches on things.” He has added a few new dishes - Braised Duck Legs with Thai Red Curry Sauce, the "Fry"-nanese (served with chili sauce, dark soy, ginger aioli and green onion pancake), Black Angus Strip Loin, a Veggie Rendang, and Char Siu Pork Ribs. What might be most remarkable is that he isn’t using any nuts, so he’s come up with a satay using tamarind and coconut instead. That and he’s made tofu divine with his Chili Salt Tofu dish. 

News:

According to CTV News, the fire that destroyed Sotto Sotto and Spuntini Ristorante & Bar has been classified as "undetermined."

Bier Market launched a new menu on Monday that will be available at all Ontario locations The new European brasserie-style twist dishes include Pretzel Calamari, Gouda Bombs (panko-crusted smoked gouda fried crisp with tomato jam) and Dunkel Duck Wings, along with two exclusive Californian biers- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale & Stone India Pale Ale.

Big Smoke Burger is relaunching their original location on King West after closing and undergoing extensive renovations. This Tues, Feb 17, they’ll be handing out free hand-crafted burgers, fresh cut fries and fountain drinks from 11am to 2pm. Big Smoke Burger is asking customers to donate to the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs. They‘ll match every dollar donated.

Fonda Lola needs to raise $75K and has come up with a unique way for you to “invest.” Read the whole story at Metro News. 

The Forth’s new Executive Chef Zach Albertsen previewed some of his new dishes on Monday, including Deviled Eggs, Foie Gras with golden pickled raisins on brioche toast and family-style Roasted Ontario Lamb Shoulder in a pomegranate glaze with fresh pomegranates, roasted chickpeas, mint, thyme, parsley, and yellow peas.

At Mr. Ciao,  kids eat for free on Monday in honour of Family Day.

shōtō introduced a new a la carte menu on Tuesday. Available only Tues-Thurs, you can now sample dishes only previously available through the set menu, as well as new and seasonal offerings from Chef Mitch Bates.

Exciting changes at Sparrow - Adam Robinson moved up to chef de cuisine and they’ve launched new menus reflecting their new “bistro-style” dishes, changing from tapas-y plates.  Apps include Venison Tartare, Lamb Croquettes and Shrimp Pogos. Mains range from ½ Cornish Hen to Roasted Black Cod, Hand-Rolled Pasta and a Duck Nest. The new brunch menu features tantalizing savoury options such as Cured Trout Salad, Beef Shortrib Hash and Ratatouille Shakshuka.

Tori’s Bakeshop is now open for dinner and drinks Thursday to Sunday. This vegan restaurant offers many items including a cheese board, gnocchi and pizza. Gluten-free options are available. 

Events:

On Monday, the first Underground Chef Battle launched. The next one is soon to come! More details to follow.

Tonight is the last night for Winterlicious. 

Tonight Harrison & Dekay introduce Hard Six Food Industries with their company launch and pop-up restaurant at The Well on Ossington. A variety of snack-sized dishes and drink specials will be available starting at 5pm.  Note, this event is cash only (ATM on site).

Tomorrow night, learn the fun way with Whisky, Fresh off the Still.

There’s still time to get yourself together for Valentine’s Day. We’ve got a Best Of and Guide to help you. And don’t forget the drinks!

Always wanted your own chicken roost? On Sunday, Dan Pryce from Spade & Featherdemonstrates the ins-and-outs of backyard chicken keeping at 555 Parliament St. Cost is $20.

On Monday head to Heatfest to indulge in every comfort food craivng this cold weather brings.

And lastly:

Get to know La Cubana’s Chef Kerry Levine in this month’s Chef Bites.

We give you an inside look at Pizzeria Libretto's newest location on University!

Our new series Neighbourhood Gem launched yesterday. We went back as far as we could with the oldest operating restaurant, The Senator. 

Get your junk food fix while you're out for dinner.

Brunch doesn't have to include lining up.