Open/Closed: week of May 24-30, 2018
In case you were thinking, ”Ugh, there’s nowhere new to eat,” I’ve got almost 20 new spots for you to chow down this weekend.
And June’s about to be just as crazy.
Whoa.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Leslieville’s Black Jack BBQ (1044 Gerrard St. E.) offers southern comfort grub by way of Crawfish Boil ($15), Duck Wings ($9), Louisiana Catfish ($17), Tempeh Ribs ($16), and more.
Mississauga, say hello to your very own The Burger's Priest (5027 Hurontario St.).
The Beverley Hotel’s (335 Queen St. W.) rooftop bar Do Not Disturb is now Carlotta Bar. The main floor is currently under renovations, with plans to open “in a month or so.” Stay tuned.
Chi Patisserie (5298 Yonge St.) is offering its signature “Desserts Without Borders” and other items for ten percent off during their soft opening until the end of May.
Where can you get gelato cookie sandwiches, you ask? Crepe Delicious, the largest mall-based crepe and gelato shop, now open at at Square One (100 City Centre Dr.).
European grocery store Denninger’s just launched their largest store to date in Burlington Mall (777 Guelph Line). In addition to meat, seafood, produce and pantrey items, the 23,000 sq.-ft. space boasts Bitehaus Bistro, a licensed eatery with specials including: Sausage Goulash ($11) and Cabbage Roll ($10).
Doors opened Tuesday for The Ellery (1870 Danforth Ave.), previous home to Melanie’s Bistro.
Grillies (1560 Bayview Ave., Unit C) is celebrating the grand opening of their second location tomorrow with tacos ($2.99), cheeseburgers ($3.99), and burritos ($4.99).
Happy Lemon, famous for their Taiwanese bubble tea, “cheese-enriched smoothies,” and custom drinks, boasts locations in over 100 cities around the world. Scarborough just got added to the list (3260 Midland Ave., Unit G-112).
Infuse Café has a new twist. Infuse Café Bar (354 Yonge St.) is now “a unique cocktail lounge that features a specialized all tea-infused cocktail menu where infusions are all done in-house.” Looking to nosh? Choose from bar snacks, sous vide steaks with a choice of side, and Japanese cheesecake for dessert.
Carters Landing in Woodbine Beach shut down, making way for Johnny Catch Fish ‘n Chips (1681 Lake Shore Blvd. E.).
The classic Middle Eastern cheese and dough pastry drizzled in sweet syrup known as kanafeh (also called kunafa, kunafeh and knafeh) is the specialty at Kunafa’s (1801 Lawrence Ave. E.). Can’t make it to the Scarborough shop? Not a prob. Downtown, Toronto North, and Mississauga locations coming soon.
Pam’s back! After lengthy delays, the grand reopening of Pam’s Roti (1089 Bloor St. W.) took place earlier this week.
The newest resident at The Exchange Tower, First Canadian Place (130 King St. W.)? Porchetta & Co. on the Concourse Level.
I’ve got two words for you: fried bao. ‘Nuff said. See you at Sang Ji Fried Bao (1 Byng Ave.) in North York.
In the mood for shawarma, crispy chicken, falafel, fattoush salad, and the like? Mississauga’s Sham Gourmet (377 Burnhamthorpe Rd. E., Unit 2A) has got you covered.
Sweet Jesus’ trademark extreme ice cream is now at CF Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall), Entrance 5.
Tuck into Goat Belly ($7) Curry Duck ($8) Tai Doy Voy ($8.50) and a host of Chow Meins ($6-$9) at the second location of Canadian, West Indian and Chinese restaurant, Trini Gardens (3266 Lake Shore Blvd. W.).
Heads up wine and pasta lovers - Wynona (819 Gerrard St. E.) is softly open.
CLOSED
Jen Agg announced The Black Hoof (928 Dundas St. W.) is closing August 20th.
You’ve got a month before Fring’s (455 King St. W.) shutters on June 23.
Grumbels Deli (290 Main St.) served the Main and Danforth neighbourhood for 21 years before doors closed Friday.
Maison Fou Brasserie (2197 Bloor St. W.) is leaving Runnymede for Dundas West. Closing Sunday, they should be in their new digs (791 Dundas St. W.) by mid-June.
Noorden’s (2110 Yonge St.) last service is Saturday.
That’s all folks for Carters Landing (1681 Lake Shore Blvd. E.).
Mercatto’s Toronto St. location may have closed (15 Toronto St.), but it’s a short three-block walk to Locale Mercatto (330 Bay St.). Coming soon: Cantina Mercatto (20 Wellington St. E.).
EVENTS
Toronto Poutine Fest starts today, lasting until Saturday.
Don’t miss this Sunday’s Speed Rack Canada 3 National Finals.
Beanstock Coffee Festival is sure to draw crowds this weekend.
NEWS
There was a shooting outside Drake’s Pick6 resto this week.
Thieves nabbed the expansive liquor collection at Indian restaurant Maezo.
Letterkenny fans, listen up – Puppers Premium Lager has returned, and Gus N’ Bruno Rye Whisky just launched. Available at select Ontario LCBO stores.
Canned food got a new look during Canstruction, Toronto’s 19th annual design/build competition.
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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.