In the midst of the Valentine’s Day and Winterlicious frenzy, and Family Day on the horizon, a whole whack of new restaurants have opened.

Got to love this city!

Here’s the very latest.

Open:

The Baro Chopped Salad Shoppe 
424 Queen St. W.

This new healthy resto opened Tuesday anad specializes in all sorts of chopped salads, with wraps, soups and healthy snacks also available - making those new year’s resolutions that have slipped by the wayside ("One bag of chips won’t hurt.") easier to achieve.

Bhoj Indian Cuisine
21 Davenport Rd.

Bjoh Indian Cuisine, a new Indian and Pakistani restaurant with Chef Kailash Chander at the stove, celebrates their grand opening tomorrow. Menu selections include a host of curries and tandoori specialties. They are offering free appetizers with every order throughout opening week.

EVOO Ristorante  
138 Avenue Rd.

Peter Catarino - formerly of Spuntini - is at the helm of this new Italian restaurant. It opens tomorrow.

Hastings Snack Bar  
5 Hastings Ave.

If you’re craving Polish fare in the east end or just want to pop in for a coffee or tea, head to new Hastings Snack Bar, brought to you by the Hastings Barber Shop at Queen and Hastings.

Cabbage rolls and perogies on a cold winter’s day? Hells yes.

Love Me Sweet 
7181 Yonge St.

Hankering for some Japanese cheesecake? Look no further than new Love Me Sweet in Markham. They just opened Saturday.

MeNami
5469 Yonge St.

Toronto's first Japanese Sanuki Udon House in North York serves up much more than just noodle soup. The menu boasts everything from Oven Roasted Yam Salad ($8) to One Pot meals for two ($20-$28), and Oven Baked Udon ($14). Modern tapas such as Smoked Salmon ($10) with parsnip sauce and Korokke ($4) mashed potato with rosemary mayonnaise round out the menu.

Thai Culture 
1455 Gerrard St. E.

You should see the menu – there are so many Thai and Malayasian dishes. Choices range from a Seafood Salad ($9.99) of crab, shrimp, squid and mussels to an Avocado-Peanut Stir-Fry ($11.99) to Malay Curry Lamb ($14.99) with potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes and coriander, served with rice.

Two Headed Dog 
1469 Gerrard St. E.

Just steps from Thai Culture comes a new gastropub for the folks on the east side. The nice setting combined with a menu filled with comfort food and pub fare will make your winter complete.

Closed:

Chef/Owner Fabien Siebert announced yesterday with "profound sadness and regret" that Marcel’s Bistro and Zazou Lounge will be closing on February 15th and his sister restaurant on the main floor, Le Saint-Tropez, will be closing on March 13th. The Landlord has decided to renovate the space and is building an addition to the back.

Awtash on College St. is papered up and their phone number is out of service.

Crate on Queen East is temporarily closed with possible changes to come.

Changes:

Chef Jesse Vallins will be cooking his last meal at The Saint Tavern tonight, where he has been the chef for the last three years. You can visit him in his new role as executive chef of Maple Leaf Tavern on Gerrard, opening in the spring.

Events:

Today is the last day to enjoy Winterlicious.  Check out my Best Of for some ideas.

This Sunday is Valentine’s Day. To help you out on where to dine, there’s our guide  and Best Of filled with options.

After all that excitement, thank goodness Monday’s a holiday. For where to grab a bite on Family Day, we’ve found some tasty choices.

FoodShare’s Recipe For Change is almost here! Buy your tickets now for this tasty fundraising event. 

And lastly:

This winter don’t just drink beer - lift a pint while playing a cool game or throwing an axe!

We give you an inside look at stunning new restaurant Parcae in this week’s Reveal.

Find out what Chef Matt Blondin’s fantasy meal, go-to comfort food + fave cookbook are in this month’s Chef Bites.