Open/Closed: week of January 25-31, 2018

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This winter feels never-ending I know, but I’ve got 13 new dining destinations to help you get through the rest of the month. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Leaside residents, get your caffeine fix at Creeds Coffee Bar (1595 Bayview Ave.).

Head to Fearless Meat (884 Kingston Rd.) in the Upper Beaches for burgers, brisket, peameal sandwiches, fries and poutine.

High5 Cafe & Curated Convenience (221 Richmond St. W., lower level) by The Fifth has “softly” opened. On the menu: Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and more.

Dishes including Teriyakitori Wings and Miso Ice Cream Sammies can now be yours, thanks to Juanm0t0, located inside Cold Tea (60 Kensington Ave.).

Junction Craft Brewing (150 Symes Rd.) offers over 16,000 sq. ft., complete with brewery, event space, expanded taproom, and retail shop. Doors open Saturday.

 La Paella (1146 Queen St. E.) has finally launched in Leslieville.

Since there’s still time to hide winter weight under sweaters, head to Luscious Desserts (493A Dundas St. W.) for “fusion Asian desserts with a new world modern twist.”

Dig into winter warm-ups such as soybean stew, bulgogi, and pork belly at Mapo Korean BBQ Restaurant (680 Bloor St. W).

Bisha Hotel Toronto (80 Blue Jays Way) has a new man about town - Mister C. The reimagined lounge launched last night and features green velvet walls, birdcage shelving, cocktails and dining menus.

Oakville’s Noble Bistro has expanded into Mississauga (1107 Lorne Park Rd.).

Dufferin and Dupont just got a new Mediterranean resto, Parallel (217 Geary Ave.).

Satiate your craving for fresh, healthy Mediterranean fare by way of soups, salads and sandwiches at Plancha  (44 Victoria St.).

Canada’s first stand-up sushi bar, Tachi Toronto, opens tomorrow in Assembly Chef’s Hall (111 Richmond St. W.). Designed with standing room for only eight – just like in Japan - an omakase menu has been designed to be enjoyed in under 30 minutes. Stay tuned.

NEWS

Renowned chef Paul Bocuse passed away at age 91.

An outpouring of love and admiration for Toronto restaurateur and sustainable seafood champion John Bil of Honest Weight, flooded social media this week. He died at the age of 49, after battling cancer.

Winterlicious kicks off tomorrow, but you can reserve now. Stay tuned for my top picks.

Get your tickets now for Toronto Winter Brewfest.

Celebrity chef Kristen Kish’s in town cooking up a storm tonight at the Toronto Eaton Centre’s new Samsung store. The event is from 7pm-11pm, so get there early.

The secret’s out: Brickworks Ciderhouse, the first “Urban Ciderhouse”” will open in February at the corner of Queen and Broadview (709 Queen St. E.)

In related news, former home of Dangerous Dan’s (714 Queen St. E.) across the street is slated to be a pizza joint.

And just half a block west, Mary Macleod’s Shortbread retail shop in Riverside (639 Queen St. E.) is closing on February 14. The iconic rich, buttery treats will still be available for purchase at select retailers and online.

If you dine at The Keg, you’ll want to know about this.

East York Meals on Wheels is in need of drivers.

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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Let me know.