Open/Closed for the week of March 9-15

After last week's Open/Closed column, the openings and announcements have been relentless. It started late Thursday morning and it's been going strong ever since.

That, combined with all the news and events adds up to a very exciting week indeed.

Here's what I've managed to unearth so far for just this week:

 

Open:

Desmond and Beatrice  
388 Carlaw Ave., Unit 206

The renowned Queen St. bakery found a new home not far from it's former haunt. Can't make it all the way to the east end? Don't worry, they deliver.

Levetto
940 College St.

The second location for Levetto brings fresh pizza and pasta to College and Dovercourt.

Mad Mexican
383 Jane St.

The Mad Mexican expands beyond chips and guac to a full-on restaurant.

One Pizza
169 King St. E.

Pizza pops up again in the city, this time just east of Jarvis on King in the old Kultura spot.

Roselle Bakery
362 King St. E.

Corktown gets a brand new bakery to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth.

Closed:

Far Niente and Four Restaurant are still closed due to a burst pipe. We hope they can open doors soon.

Amaya Express on Queen East closed. 

The Riverdale Farmers' Market is no more, according to the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review.

Events:

St. Patrick's Day festivities take over this week into next. Here's a roundup of the top 5 spots to celebrate the Irish holiday.

There's still time to take advantage of both Savour York Region Restaurant Week and Savour Mississauga Restaurant Week. They end on Sunday.

Tomorrow, get your fill of vodka at the third annual vodka tasting of The Rotaract Club of Toronto, in support of Homes First.

On Saturday, learn the ins and outs of batch cooking at FEAST, hosted by GlutenFreedom Toronto.

Monday, Chef Deron Engbers (former corporate chef for Rock Lobster) throws "A Little Bit of This, And a Little Bit of That" Table D'Hote Dinner at Fonda Lola. Engbers first pop-up in almost two yearsincludes dungeness crab, braised octopus, pork "pot pie," a duo of beef and red fife crepes. There are two seatings - 5:30 and 8:30pm - and tickets are $55/pp, cash only.

If you're a Sybil, Basil and Manuel fan, then you'll want to head out to Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience. Only a third of the show is scripted. That, combined with a three-course meal - it's bound to be a memorable night. It's here only until April 26th.

News:

Tonight, Chef Susur Lee launches a Kosher Menu for Modern Kosher Catering. Supervised by Lee, the menu will be available for special occasions and in-home catering.

Lots of new happenings to report at Farmer's Daughter: there's a brand new menu from Farmhouse Tavern Chef Tom Wadelunch is now served on Thursdays and Fridays; kids eat for free this month; brunch happens early and late on "Civilized Sundays," and if you can believe it, the patio is now open.

Canada's 100 Best Restaurants named Buca on King #3, Splendido #5 and Canoe got the #6 spot. Who makes it into your top 10?

Have you bought your membership to Fonda Lola yet? Priority seating and free tequila tastings are just some of the perks of being a member of this unique club.

I told you about Hiro Sushi closing for renos awhile back, but I'm happy to report that it looks like the reopening will happen before the end of March (tentatively the 26th). The renos include a new sushi counter made from a long single piece of douglas fir and gorgeous black sinks. Stay tuned.

And lastly:

Babur isn't your typical Indian restaurant. Find out why in this week's article.

DEQ Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel launches a new Canadian comfort food menu and it's awesome. 

Patricia Noonan finds out Chef Matty Matheson's influences and junk food cravings.

Chef Jesse Vallins of The Saint also happens to be a certified certified sommelier through both CAPS and CMS. He writes about wine for us in his new column. This month, his thoughts on wine and cheese pairings might surprise you.