Open/Closed for the week of September 14-20

This week we’re back to lots of openings and events, TIFF continues to take over the city, and with the return of warmer temps, we can squeeze in another weekend on the patio.

Here's the very latest:

Open:

Oh Boy! Burger Market 
296 Gerrard St.

Premiering at this weekend’s Cabbagetown Festival, Oh Boy! Burger Market opened their doors at 12:30pm on Sunday.  Their classic and signature burgers made with AAA prime from traditionally raised Wellington County (hormone and antibiotic free), along with a hefty offering of sides (Deep Fried Pickles, Irish Poutine, Blooming Onion and Sweet Potato Curry Fries, for starters) at great prices are sure to entice the Regant Park/Cabbagetown crowd.

The Lockhart
1479 Dundas St. W.

Media has claimed this west end spot to be all about Harry Potter, but for those few who haven’t read the books or seen the movies, it just looks to be a great spot to get a drink and a bite to eat.

Mattachioni
1617 Dupont St.

David Mattachioni sayshe "was born to make you pizza." They are to come. In the meantime, you can try out his homemade Italian sandwiches and intriguing salads over in The Junction.

Modo Mio Bistro 
1923c Avenue Rd.

In the mood for pizza or pasta? Modo Mio Bistro on Avenue Road has got you covered. 

Smoke's Burritorie
218 Adelaide St. W.

Smoke’s continues to expand its franchise – this time with the popular hefty handheld wrap.

Sweet Jesus 
106 John St.

Cool for the summer has definitely arrived thanks to Sweet Jesus. Get your espresso, "pimped out" soft serve ice cream and paletas now.

The Thirsty Duck
972 Queen St. E. 

TTD opened last night at 5pm. The new corner drinking spot, brought to you by the owners of Eastside Social just a few doors east, arrives just in time. Because when you realize it’s already the middle of September, you’re going to need a good, stiff drink. And yet another when you realize that Thanksgiving is just three weeks away…

Closed:

All bets are off as Turf Lounge is now closed. 

5th Elementt on Queen West is all papered up and their phone number is out of service.

Events: 

Tonight head to Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas East) for Rum & Rhythm to get your fill of Caribbean rum and food. 

Are you ready for the Toronto Food & Wine Festival?! We’ll be on site tomorrow covering the event live so be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

Toronto Beer Week starts tomorrow. To celebrate, here are my picks of the top 5 events.

On Friday and Saturday, make room for Toronto Oktoberfest.

But don’t fill up too much – there’s so much to try at the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukranian Festival and Roncesvalles Polish Festival.

One of the most exciting events this month is Saturday’s Pass The Table Nikkei Japanese with Terry Kobayashi @ Bang & Olufsen. 

Sunday, it’s all about garlic.

If you’re a cookbook lover, you should definitely attend the Taste Canada Gala Fundraiser Reception on Monday.

Tuesday, the iconic Roberta’s Pizza from Bushwick is landing north of the border for one night only at a popup at Citta.  Anthony Falco, the founding pizza-maker from Roberta’s, will be there. Us too. Make a reservation now - you don't want to miss this.

Sawdust Brewery is bringing their brews to Ruby Watchco. on Wednesday night, where Chef Lora Kirk will be pairing her dishes. Meet with the brewmasters and Chef Lora before dinner, then tuck in for a night of tasting and discovery.

News:

On Sunday night, Devour! The Food Film Fest’s program launch and reception took place at Delta Toronto SOCO Ballroom where filmmakers and directors mingled with guests, while fantastic cocktails (those whiskey sours!)  and seafood dishes were served. The world’s biggest film festival dedicated to foodin Wolfville, Nova Scotia, is the place to be this November 4-8 .

Devour’s Executive Director Michael Howell announced that internationally-renowned actor, Bill Pullman, will be on hand this year. He’ll be curating his favourite food film of all-time, the Academy Award-winning 1987 classic Babette’s Feast. Book your tickets now.

And lastly:

There’s still time to catch a celeb at one of these TIFF hotspots.

I caught up with Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, who dished on her fave T.O. restos and much more.

We got a sneak peek inside the new modern French fine dining restaurant Alo.

Our new tea columnist, Karen Hartwick makes a convincing case for why you should switch to this green tea.

Big Butcher BBQ is all about the meat.