Ramps and fiddleheads are making an appearance, farmers markets are just around the corner, and the amount of exhilarating activity in restaurants continues across the city.

Check out the very latest news and events!

Open:

Burdock
1184 Bloor St. W.

We broke the news on social media this past weekend about this fab new spot. Between the beautiful décor (they kept the stunning tiles from the former Portuguese restaurant),  focused menu, beer production (coming soon) and a music venue right next door, your weeknights and weeknights are made from here on in.

Concession Road
760 St Clair Ave. W.

The Pukka team of Derek Valleau and Harsh Chawla, with Chef Masayuki, unveiled their new modern French restaurant, not too far down the road from their modern Indian spot. I’ll have an inside look soon.

Hole-E Burger
2419 Yonge St.

The second Toronto location for this burger line arrived at Y&E earlier this week, giving neighbouring condo and apartment dwellers one more excuse not to use their tiny kitchens.

Kanpai Snack Bar
252 Carlton St.

We were one of the first outlets allowed in last Saturday while the restaurant was still papered up. The exciting sneak peek included some of the best dishes I’ve had of the year and I’ll have more deets coming to you tomorrow. Doors open to the public on Saturday. Get ready to lineup. This time, it will be so worth it.

Rose City Kitchen
36 Toronto St.

After a slight delay, Rose City Kitchen’s second location opened on Monday! Woo woo! They share their space with Smash Juice Bar and Clockwork Coffee, making it ideal for a healthy, energetic meal any time of day.

Soi Thai Street Food
651 College St.

This new spot at Grace and College is no doubt going to wow the crowd with their authentic Thai street tapas- style dishes and snacks, such as Khai Krata Song Krueng and Gung Lui Suan. I’ll have a closer look soon.

Almost open:

On a Bun on Queen West hopes to open their first Toronto location on Monday. Which would be great, because now that you know that you’re this close to getting homemade Italian sandwiches, don’t you want them so much more now? Fingers crossed.

Closed:

Long-standing John’s Italian Caffe on Baldwin has shuttered. No word on who’s taking over the coveted space yet but plans are in the works to salvage the historic windows. Stay tuned.

Events:

Head out to This & That Too, a pop-up happening both Saturday and Sunday night by Chef Deron Engbers, formerly of Rock Lobster. The 4-course prixe fixe dinner is just $50 (cash only) with beer and wine on hand too. The venue is the former This End Up space. Reservations can be made through deron.engbers@gmail.com.

Beer lovers, this weekend is for you. On Friday and Saturday, the Toronto Festival of Beer Spring Sessions take place at Sherbourne Common (61 Dockside Dr.)  There’s music, grilling by BBQ pro Ted Reader and friends, and of course, lots and lots of beer.

This Saturday, Toronto finalists Nick Incretolli and Dan Tavares will compete with finalists across the country to win the Made with Love National Mixology Competition Finale in Toronto. Held at King West’s Everleigh, it’s sure to be a night of fun and great drinks. Tickets are $95 and include a full tasting of all competing cocktails, delectable eats from BlowFish and the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice. 

You’ve got one more reason to head to Parkdale this Sunday. From 11am to 7pm, the Little Tibet area is holding an Eat for Tibet Food Festival. Eight Tibetan restaurants will be taking part in this event, with proceeds supporting crucial work with youth leadership and campaigning for Tibet.  Participating restaurants include: Himalayan Kitchen 1524 Queen St. W; Lhasa Kitchen 1422 Queen St. W; Loga's Momo Corner 216 Close Ave.; Norling Restaurant 1512 Queen St. W; Om Restaurant 1439 Queen St. W; Shangrila Restaurant 1600 Queen St. W; Tibet Kitchen 1544 Queen St. W; Tsampa Café 1528 Queen St. W. Get your tickets now and just watch as Tibetan food becomes one of your favourite cuisines.

One of the most underrated, underappreciated wine regions is Greece. That’s what makes the Greek Wine Maker’s Dinner at Estiatorio Volos on Monday is so exciting. Greek food and Greek wine? Your night is made.

Make room in your calendar from next Wednesday, April 29 until Tuesday, May 12th for GIN-A-PALOOZA, Canada’s first-ever citywide Gincentric event. Ten of Toronto’s top gin brands have been pairs with them ten of the "hottest cocktail venues"  to feature "some of the best gin cocktails you’ll ever taste," according to organizers.

Tickets for Terroir Symposium are going quickly and you don’t want to miss out on this epic event where it’s all about inspritation and collaboration. Get your tix now!

And while you’re at it, you’d better get your Taste of Toronto tickets. They’ll go super fast too!

News:

Yesterday, the 2015 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix Gala of Champions took place and the finalists announced. Check out the full listings here.

Did you dine out for A Taste for Life last night? If not, you can still support Fife House with an online donation.

Someone ran into Golden Thai with their car this week. We hope everyone is all right.

The Ontario Hostelry Institute (OHI) has their Top 30 under 30 gold awards dinner tonight at The Four Seasons. You can see the full list of folks here. Congratulations to all the winners!

Speaking of winners, the Dillion’s Cocktail Cup been happening since March and on Tuesday, Tyler Newsome competed against Tao Zrafi in the White Rye Battle. Round Three, Unfiltered Gin 22, takes place on Tuesday May 19. 

Going out to dinner and a show can be a pricey night out. So if you heading to a play at Soulpepper in The Distillery, dine at the Mill Street Brew Pub or The Beer Hall - show your ticket and get 15% off your dinner or dessert.

And lastly:

Today is National Picnic Day.  I know it’s not exactly the weather for it, but indoor picnics can be just as charming.

Bayview Village is known for its chic shops. But the restaurants are showstoppers too. 

Jesse Vallins highlights his favourite wine wines of the season. No doubt, they’ll become yours too.

Chef Corbin offers pro tips on how to prepare restaurant-style food.

Zoe Renglich helps us overcome baking anxiety with five helpful tips.