Open/Closed: week of November 22-28, 2018
After last week’s insanity and the oncoming holiday season, surely restaurant openings have to slow down.
Nope, it’s as frenzied as ever. I’ve 18 new destinations for you to dig into this weekend.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Doors opened Tuesday for Bootleg Smokehouse, a “refined smokehouse” at King and Spadina (64 Spadina Ave.).
Carisma’s back. And this time, with a posh interior (15 Toronto St.). Stay tuned.
Starting today at 5pm, the first North American location of Korea’s go-to fried chicken spot Chicken in the Kitchen (5600 Yonge St.), is offering 50 per cent off ‘Cheese Volcano Chicken’ for the first 75 customers. p.s. Same goes for tomorrow.
Did someone say shawarma pizza? Chito’s Pizza in North York (3616 Dufferin St.) has got you covered. Grand opening celebrations took place yesterday.
Coffee, Oysters and Champagne’s name says it all – get coffee and pastries from morning ‘til late afternoon; after 4pm, it’s all oysters and champagne. Find them across from Roy Thomson Hall (214 King St. W., lower level).
Tacos, burgers, pizza and cocktails come together at Councillor (1188 Queen St. W.).
Let all the cozy hygge feels begin. Danish Pastry House just landed at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.).
Doors opened Tuesday for Mississauga’s Fifth Avenue Eatery and Coffee House (1 City Centre Dr.).
Takeaway bentos, banchan, and jjigae have arrived in Beaconsfield Village, thanks to Hawk & Chick (1426 Dundas St. W.).
Incha (761 Bay St.) has all things bubble tea.
If you’re shopping at newly launched Toronto Premium Outlets (13850 Steeles Ave. W.) and want to skip fast food options, the first full service eatery - Madison's Restaurant & Bar - just opened next to Old Navy.
Magical Taste of China (405 Dundas St. W.) is just steps from the AGO and OCAD.
Find Q1 Pho Famous close to Kensington Market (536 Dundas St. W.).
Ruth’s Chris Steak House has been in the GTA since 1995. The new Markham location (170 Enterprise Blvd.) comes complete with a brand new look.
In need of a caffeine fix? Head to Shy Coffee Co. at King and Tecumseth (766 King St. W., Unit 3).
Nut- and gluten-free vegan bakery/café Sorelle and Co. just opened an Insta-worthy spot in Etobicoke (1185 The Queensway).
The Union Food Court finally opens on Monday at Union Station below the GO York Concourse. By the numbers: Approx. 25,000 square feet, seating for +600, and 10 food retailers (Bangkok Buri, Loaded Pierogi, McDonald’s, Paramount Fine Foods, Pizza Pizza, Roywoods, Scaccia, Shanghai 360, Sushi Shop, and Tim Hortons).
99 Sushi Japanese and Thai’s AYCE menu arrives just in time for winter hibernation (170 Eglinton Ave. E.). *Puts on drawstring pants.*
CLOSING
Last night Parts & Labour (1566 Queen St. W.) announced they’re closing up shop January 1st, after almost 10 years in the biz. P&L’s just the latest in a string of restos (Electric Mud BBQ, Note Bene) closing for good this holiday.
EVENTS
The 24th annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo takes place this weekend.
You’ve got Civil Liberties (878 Bloor St. W.) to thank for making your holiday dreams come true this year. Miracle on Queen St. (251 Queen St. W.), their Christmas-themed pop-up bar featuring seasonal cocktails, launches tomorrow and goes all the way until December 26.
On Sunday, head to Toronto's Chanukah Market.
NEWS
Step away from the lettuce.
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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.