The middle of February is tough, but things are looking up with the arrival of a few new restaurants and some fun events.

Check out the very latest:
 

Open:

Noodles & Company
1899 Brock Road, Unit 31B

If you’re in the Pickering area, the second Ontario location of Noodles & Company opens their doors Monday morning at 10:30am (it’s never too early for pasta).

Dishes include sweet and spicy Japanese Pan Noodles, zesty Pesto Cavatappi and Wisconsin Mac & Cheese.

Nota Bene
180 Queen St. W.

Nota Bene’s got a brand new look, concept and menu. They officially re-launch today.

Stay tuned.

The Wine Swine
1001 Eastern Ave.

The former home of Le Papillon in the east end is now The Wine Swine, opening Wednesday at 11am.

In addition to a host of wine and beer, the menu includes oysters, dips & deli boards, Chorizo Burger, Wild Boar Bucco, Steak Frites and Chicken & Ribs.

Brunch items such as French Toast, Eggs Benedict, and Chicken & Waffles are offered everyday from 11am-5pm.

Closed:

Reforma 35 is now closed.

Sadly, Sparrow on Bloor West has shuttered.

Events:

This Sunday, head to ODIN for an All You Can Eat Viking BBQ with Chef Aidan Galligan (Uncle Smoke BBQ). On the Scandinavian-inspired supper menu: family-style smoked wild boar, beer-braised poultry and smoked cod, with rustic green soup, torn ancient rye loaves, honey-roasted root vegetables, traditional dumplings, and more. Tickets are $40.

Fonda Lola is hosting their first ever Tequila Tasting on Tuesday February 23, featuring 6 tequilas: 2 silvers, 2 golds, and 2 añejos. Complimentary bowls of tortilla chips (with Lola's pineapple-habanero salsa) will be on hand, along with $2 tacos and the option of classic Mexican cochinita pibil (slow-braised pig shoulder), and taco de tofu sofrito (crispy cornmeal tofu in smoky tomato sauce). The event is $35.

And lastly:

Your day is about to get sooo much better. It’s National "Drink Wine" Day. Check out this week's Best Of for where to get your wine on.

Make cupcakes, help animals in need. It’s that easy. 

Chef Corbin’s fab advice for dinner for two - complete with recipes - is a must-read.