While the new restaurant openings may have slowed down just a tad, the amount of news and events has increased tenfold.

That, combined with awesome patio weather, and you’ve got yourself a pretty fantastic week of food-filled fun!

Check out the very latest:

Open:

Abokichi
258 Dupont St.

If you’ve been making the trek all the way to Sanko Trading Co. on Queen West for years like I have, for onigiri - Japanese rice balls – you can now get a wide variety of these delicious homemade snacks on Dupont at Abkichi.

They also happen to have a number of salads, sandwiches and desserts available. 

Appalachia Smokehouse & BBQ
972 The Queensway

The BBQ and smokehouse trend continues, extending into West Toronto, with Appalachia’s various smoked meats, BBQ ribs, sliders and sides.

I’ll have a closer look soon.

A&J Restaurant and Lounge
2478 Kingston Rd.

Tomorrow is the grand opening for A&J, a new Jamaican spot at Midland and Kingston Rd. Opening at 9am, there will be music and food samples.

Mascot Brewery
31 Mercer St.

This brewery/restaurant comes complete with a rooftop patio. Add to that their German-inspired craft beers, crafted cocktails, a wicked menu (Mascot Burger topped with double-smoked bacon, Quebec Nourdique Cheese, smoked onion aioli, with fresh cut fries; Albacore Tuna Ceviche, and a housemade Grilled Bratwurst served with sauerkraut, mustard and pickles) and well, say hello to your favourite new summer spot.

Pho King Fabulous
2411 Yonge St.

Hallelujah, finally Yonge and Eligibles can get a bowl of pho without having to leave the 'hood. Sighs of relief all around.

Closed:

The Dominion on Queen has closed and been sold. Right before the Pan Am Games. More news soon.

 

Stellar seafood joint Fishbar has closed. It will be re-opening soon under new management. Stay tuned.

Events:

While there is a ton going on in the city this weekend, the most important event of all is Father’s Day on Sunday. Still need a place to take Dad? Don't worry, I’ve got the top 5 spots to make Dad’s day.

Starting today, you can make reservations for Summerlicious, and buy tickets for five culinary events inspired by the culture and flavours of the 41 nations participating in the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Summerlicious has added a week this year, making it three weeks that you can enjoy pre-fixe menus from over 210 restaurants. The excitement runs this year from July 3-26. I'll have a complete look soon.

You’ve got until Sunday to enjoy the last weekend of Ontario Craft Beer Week. Glug, glug.

Love bubbly? Vintages is showcasing over 60 spectacular sparkling wines including Prosecco, Cava, Crémant and, of course, Champagne at their Pop! Sparkle! Sip! event tonight.

Starting tonight, Sugar Beach is putting on their Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival and celebrating the end of the waterfront construction and the new Queens Quay Promenade. This is part of this year’s weekend long Redpath Waterfront Festival.

The 16th annual Taste of Little Italy is happening this weekend. It all starts tomorrow at 6pm. The legendary Chin Picnic  happens the fest this year too. This is the first date and location change for the CHIN Picnic in 32 years, which used to be held at The Exhibition grounds on the Canada Day long weekend. Lenny Lombardi, President of CHIN Radio says, "We at CHIN are celebrating what would have been my Dad’s 100th birthday, so this is a very special year. Bringing our Picnic and Little Italy promotes all that is wonderful about our culturally diverse City. CHIN Radio was born on College St, in the heart of Little Italy, and my dad was an integral part of Little Italy’s growth from the 1950’s to his passing in 2002.  Bringing his iconic event to Little Italy, in this great neighbourhood that he loved so much is coming full circle. My Dad would have loved it."

Head to Woodbine Park this weekend for the Boom 97.3 Beach BBQ & Brews Festival. On Friday, check out the Neal Brother’s presents The 7th Annual Firefighter Command Cook Off  hosted by Chef Ted Reader, where "North, South, East and West Commands will vie against each other to see who grills the best steak." On Saturday, be sure to visit the Grilling Tent featuring demos by Chefs Tonia Wilson, Ted Reader, Matt Dean Pettit, Massimo Capra, Matt Basile and Christian Pritchard. This free event also includes musical guests The Trews, 54-40 and Big Sugar.

The documentary Deli Man opens at the Bloor Cinema tomorrow for Hot Docs. This up-close look at delicatessens,produced and directed by Erik Greenberg Anjou, features Toronto’s own Zane Caplansky of Caplansky’s.  It will also make you crave a pastrami sandwich like you wouldn’t believe.

Tomorrow is World Martini Day! How are you going to celebrate? Read all about it in this month’s Drinks column.

The Fun de Lentil Tour is in full effect. Head to various spots around town that are cooking up the fibre-filled legume and then vote for your favourite pick.

News:

Congratulations to The Toronto Vegetarian Association, which turns 70 tomorrow.

Susur Lee has been chosen as one of the judges for MasterChef Asia.

Need an affordable commerical kitchen? Tomorrow, the new Scadding Court Commercial Kitchen launches with the fabulous Foodies on Foot. At just $10-$15/hour, the commerical kitchen housed in a 45-foot shipping container, is not just afforable, but is accessible 24/7. Your new catering/pickling/bakery business is now a reality.

It’s confusing, I know. Old School  is not open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week yet. After many delays, it’s not happening until July 1st. For now, their hours are 11-11 weekdays and 10-4 on weekends and "maybe later, it depends" according to an employee. There are also "no reservations for parties under 8."

The new summer menu at The Irv  includes a Duck Confit Club, Short Rib Cheese Steak and Chicken and Waffles with grape soda slaw. Order a House Pint while you’re there - 25 cents from each glass goes to ALS.

Me Va Me Kitchen Express on Queen West revealed their new patio yesterday.

A former Weslodge pastry chef has made allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace and it’s getting a lot of press.  It’s moved the outspoken Jen Agg, co-owner of The Black Hoof, to put on Kitchen Bitches: Smashing The Patriarchy One Plate At A Time, on September 3 at Revival Bar. Stay tuned.

And lastly:

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Bar None Awards!

Want fantastic French food? Head to Chinatown East to Batifole.

The Junction is a fantastic spot for dining these days. And one of the latest additions proves it. Take a peek inside Italian eatery, Annette Food Market.

Finally, no rain! So check out our new patio guide and the best backyard patios in the city and enjoy the fresh outdoors while you can.