Open/Closed: week of November 15-21, 2018

The avalanche of openings – soft, grand, secret, not-so-secret – this week is overwhelming. You’ll find 17 below. That’s not all of them. Not even close. But it’s all I could fit in because so many places keep opening.  

If I’m doing this 24/7 and can barely keep up, how are you expected to know what’s going on?

I’m going to lie down for awhile.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Got the late night munchies? After Dark delivers their Asian fusion fare after hours. You can also order dishes from their “super secret” late night menu at H Bar (859 Queen St. W.) such as Nanay's Spaghetti ($14) Udon noodles tossed in a spicy sauce with Lola's coconut adobo chicken, Sriracha mayo, and crushed pork chicharron; and Vegan Butter “Chicken” Swirl ($10) Chinese pancake, stuffed with tofu and housemade vegan butter “chicken” sauce.

How lucky are folks in the Junction and Bloordale? They just got Donna’s (827 Landsdowne Ave.) featuring a captivating menu (i.e. Jambon with Leek Vinaigrette) and pastries in the works by baker extraordinaire Philip Haddad of upcoming Emmer & Ash. Marmite Breakfast Gourgiere and Rye Scone with fennel jam, orange and fennel pollen, anyone? Drool.

New arrival Chadani Indian Cuisine (51 Colborne St.) brings lunch (buffet) and dinner (à la carte) to the St. Lawrence ‘hood.

On the menu at resto-bar Come See Me (656 College St.):Trap Tacos (say that ten times fast), Jerk Chicken Kale Salad, and cocktails, for starters. Grand opening celebrations kick off tomorrow at 8pm.

Doors opened Tuesday for Vietnamese coffee house Dak Lak Coffee at College and Spadina (283 College St.). Get 20 per cent off all drinks during the soft opening of their second location.

Enjoy 20 per cent off all barbecue courses during the soft opening of North York’s Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (153 Yorkland Blvd.). Offer ends November 25.

Dun-dun. “Canada’s first legal café” Lawyers and Lattes (511 Eglinton Ave. W.) is ready to serve you - coffee, salad, macarons, and affordable legal advice. Even better, there’s a 30 per cent discount all month on all L&L legal services.  

Since the holiday season is already upon us, the new Lindt shop opening today at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) will probably come in handy. Bonus: there’s a Maître Chocolatier on-site for “made-to-order treats.”  

Head to The Opium Bar (1321 Dundas St. W.) for “Asian-inspired” snacks (Jiaozi) and cocktails (Baiju Chairman Mao).

Doors officially opened yesterday for Plaxton Coffee (2889 St Clair Ave. E.). Ten minutes east of their other shop - you may have heard of them, Adamson Barbecue (176 Wicksteed Ave.) – you’ll find coffee, “fancypants” ‘cue sandwiches, salads, soup, pastries and sweets.

Cocktail bar Project Gigglewater (1369 Dundas St. W.) launches in Beaconsfield Village tomorrow. 

Love 80s and 90s music and culture? Craving locally-sourced fare with equal parts carnivore, vegetarian, and vegan options? Get yourself to Rag Doll Eatery (2110 Yonge St.) tomorrow for the grand opening.

Ronto's (772 College St.) specializes in “memorable flavours of the world.” What does that mean exactly? Just look to the menu. An array of items includes: lasagna, tacos, roti, souvlaki, poutine, and french toast.

The menu at Greek resto Ruru (154 Dundas St. E.) changes daily. But don’t expect any souvlaki or gyros. How cool is THAT?!

Jon Vettraino and Jason Romanoff, the team behind The Commodore (1265 Queen St. W.) debuted Viaggio (1727 Dundas St. W.), a “modern interpretation of the Italian trattoria,” earlier this week. Saturday marks the grand opening. Stay tuned.

Virtuous Pie out of Vancouver, has brought their wildly popular vegan ‘za and ice cream to Little Italy (611 College St.). Doors opened yesterday.

Whether you’re into Korean shaved ice or not, Snowies Bingsu (169 Dundas St. E.) is just fun to say. Doors have opened, but grand opened festivities start Saturday at 2pm.

CLOSED

Mimico’s The Blue Goose Tavern (1 Blue Goose St.) is making way for the new.

Since 2001, Flip Toss & Thai Kitchen (141 Harbord St.) served the Harbord/Annex community. The owners quietly closed yesterday, but keep an eye on their website. After a short (and well-deserved) break, they may end up still catering or launch another project. Fingers crossed.

EVENTS

Tonight’s the night for Beau’s Fresh Hop Fest.

Aaaaand it’s back. The Toronto Christmas Market takes over The Distillery Historic District starting today.

NEWS 

Big congratulations to Don Alfonso 1890 (19 Toronto St.) on being awarded 'Best Opening of the Year' and 'Tre Forchette' (3 Forks, the highest rating available) in the Top Italian Restaurants 2019 guide by Gambero Ross - the premier dining guide of Europe, second only to the Michelin Guide. Which begs the question: Is Michelin next? 

Catch the world broadcast premiere of The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution on TVO tonight at 9 pm EST. The documentary “shines a light on how female chefs are changing restaurant culture around the globe,” and includes chefs from Toronto.

Yorkdale Mall wants YOU to choose their next restaurant. What’s your pick?

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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 – writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.