Open/Closed for the week of April 27-May 2

It’s finally patio weather! Which arrives just in time for celebrating finishing your taxes. Or drowning your sorrows because you haven’t. Either way, the term “Beer me,” has never sounded so good.

The other fantastic news? There are a slew of new restaurants to try and events to fill your calendar with.

Check it out:

Open:

Chicago Eatery
919 Pape Ave.

From bison burgers to ribs, this is a one-stop-shop for all your comfort food needs. 

Cocina Economica 
141 Berkeley St.

This new Mexican restaurant is brought to you by Dave Sidhu of Playa Cabana, Playa Cabana Cantina, Playa Cabana Hacienda, Barrio Coreano and La Libre fame. But it’s decidedly different. It opens tonight. I’ll have a closer look soon.

De La Mer Fresh Fish Market
189 Danforth Ave. 

The third location of this seafood market is beautiful. Just watch as Danforth and Riverdale residents suddenly see a spike in their omega-3 levels. 

La Saucisserie Bar & Lounge
229 Ossington Ave.

Craft beers and sausages have arrived thanks to sweet new spot on Ossington. Doors open tonight. Stay tuned.

LitEspresso Bar
1517 Bayview Ave.

The Leaside ‘hood gets a great coffee shop starting tomorrow.

On a Bun 
841 Queen St. W.

This Italian sandwich outlet on Queen West is set to open on Monday. Which means, picnic in the park on Monday!

Changes:

Yesterday Monarchs Pub  relaunched with a new look, new menu, and new partner - Mill Street Brewery. This live music venue features jazz, blues, funk and soul via the Young Lions Music Club with no cover charge.

The Hogtown Cure is a farm-to-table eatery, with a strong connection to rural Ontario, operating under the "slow food" philosophy. The former café and deli is now a full-on restaurant.

The Carbon Bar has added "Mail It In Fridays" lunches, available every Friday. With boozy cocktails and meaty BBQ options, it's practically impossible not to take a long lunch at the end of the week now. Check out our Instagram for a sneak peek.

Events:

Today is the last day to enjoy the lunch specials of Marketlicious. 

Have a dinner that caters to your food sensitivities and allergies at GlutenFreedom TO x Tori's After Hours Pop-Up tonight. This bakeshop’s after-hours concept is Canada’s first organic and vegan wine bar, serving meals for those with specific dietary restrictions. Tonight’s menu includes an antipasto plate, gnocchi with white wine cream sauce and baby leeks, topped with eggplant crisps, and dessert. There are two seatings and tix are $64.

You now have one more reason to head to the Dufferin Mall on Saturday - Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel chain, is hosting a free pretzel day! From 10 am to 4 pm, get one free original or cinnamon sugar pretzel.

The Terroir Symposium is one of the most epic events you can attend. Now there’s an additional dinner series that you’d better make room for – you don’t want to miss this.

Cinco de Mayo is Tuesday, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with the best events happening across the city.

In addition, head to The Drake Hotel for their LCBO Cinco de Mayo T.O. event on Tuesday. The festivities include tequila cocktails, modern Mexican tapas, a mariachi band, beats by DJ Dougie Boom and more. From 6:30-10pm. Tickets are $15 at the door.

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, so start planning and booking now. Of all people, you don’t want to disappoint Mom.

News:

Anthony Rose announced on Instagram earlier this week, he is opening Swan by Rose and Sons in the former Swan spot. Swoon.

Iconic French chef Joel Robuchon, who has the most Michelin stars in the world, is opening a restaurant in Montreal. Let’s hope Toronto gets him next.

Life is about to get so much easier.  You can now select from over 150 wine and spirits products at Grocery Gateway and get ‘em delivered.

Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza, a U.S. build-your-own pizza chain, is expanding to Canada with restaurants set to open in Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary.

The Chickery, founded by Chef David Adjey, is opening its first U.S. location in D.C. and is expanding to the Middle East.

Netflix has a new documentary series for foodies: Chef’s Table, about some of the world’s most extraordinary chefs and restaurants. Just don’t watch it after you’ve eaten. You’ll start having "second dinners." Trust me. 

And lastly:

Take a peek inside new spots Local 1794 and Kanpai Snack Bar. 

Rose Reisman’s tilapia recipe is ideal for the warmer weather. 

There’s still time to take the Live Below the Line Challenge.