Well, it’s a new year and new beginnings for many restaurants. There are also a record number of closings.

Take a look at what’s been happening while you were celebrating over the holiday.

Here’s the very latest:
 

Open:

Bar Begonia  
252 Dupont St.
 
Anthony Rose’s latest venture is Bar Begonia, a Parisian bar on Dupont, just a stone’s throw from Fat Pasha, Rose & Sons, et al.

It's open all day and night, well almost (11am-2am) serving coffee, lunch, dinner and drinks seven days a week.

Karma's Kitchen  
1411 Gerrard St. E.

The new Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Dishes include Chatamari, a signature dish, that’s a Nepalese version of pizza.

King David Laffa Grill
5999 Bathurst St.

The second location of this popular Kosher Middle Eastern restaurant lands at Bathurst and Steeles.

Magic Noodle
93 Harbord St.

Hand-stretched and hand-shaved noodles are the specialty at this new Chinese restaurant on Harbord. Carbs be damned!
 
Mercat del Carmen
920 Queen St. W.

Spanish restaurant Carmen  added a sweet eatery and shop right next door, open since December 26th. During the day, pop in for fresh made sandwiches, salads and desserts, as well as many items used in the restaurant include chorizo and housemade sauces.

Rancho Relaxo to Go
1635 Dupont St.

The famed Mexican restaurant gets a to-go outpost at Dupont and Dundas West. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

Rione XI Cucina Romana
672 St. Clair Ave. W.

Brought to you by the owners of Pizza e Pazzi, Rione XI celebrates the coming together of Roman and Jewish cuisines. Choose from an array of dishes including deep-fried meatballs, Cornish Hen and housemade pastas. Say hello to your new winter comfort food.

T&A Toronto Asian Food
551 Danforth Ave.

In addition to the usual rolls, sashimi, and bento boxes, this new Japanese restaurant on The Danforth offers lunch and dinner buffets.

And yes, it’s really called T&A.

Tavolino
619 Mount Pleasant Rd.

A great new Italian restaurant opened just north of Davisville on Mount Pleasant. I’ll have a closer look soon.

Ufficio Toronto
1214 Dundas St. W.

After a very long wait, Ufficio finally open their doors yesterday! The stunning space is a beautiful backdrop to vegetarian and pescatarian offerings. See you there.

Closed:

A cluster of restaurants are gone for good, including THR & Co. But FLOCK is opening there in a matter of weeks, so when one door closes, Chef Cory Vitiello thankfully opens another.

Other recent closings include east-enders Danny Pantano’s GLAS and Eggie’s on the Danforth.

Long-standing restos shuttered as well: Splendido closed on NYW, but already has a new coat of paint (pink!) and will reopen as a new spot come March. King Falafel closed Dec 31st after 37 years, and Omonia on the Danforth officially closed their doors as of January 1st, after 38 years in the business. They have sold the building. And Le Papillon Park closed after over four deacdes after severe legal battles.

News:

Canadian chefs win big time!

- Ottawa’s Ben Ing has been named head chef of world-renowned, 2 Michelin star Noma in Denmark.

- Chef Shawn McKerness of Windsor won himself Das Gasthaus restaurant on the Danforth in the $150 raffle, held by owner Ruthie Cummings. No word yet on whether the German theme will remain.

And a Save-the-Tree Campaign has started:

If you’ve ever dined in the back of Kit Kat restaurant, you’ll be familiar with the 90-year-old tree growing inside. Owner Al Carbone is looking to get it designated as a heritage tree so that it can’t be cut down. See more of the story at Global News.

And lastly:

Alan rounds up his faves for Top 10 Restaurants of 2015. Did yours make the list?

Get your tickets now for 2016 Winterlicious CulinaryEvents.

Rose Reisman puts an egg on it in this month’s recipe.

The only Toronto craft beer gift guide you need.

Doppio Zero turns one.