Open/Closed: week of June 21-27, 2018
Every week I think things are going to slow down. Nope. Introducing 14 new spots of all kinds (fast-casual to fine dining) to discover this weekend, in addition to a ton of not-to-be missed events and news.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Assembli (373 Church St.) - a fast-casual pizza and salad concept out of Vancouver - launched the first Toronto location on Monday. Stay tuned for a closer look.
#Healthgoals get crushed at The Big Carrot Beach Community Market (125 Southwood Dr.). Grand opening celebrations begin at 10am today.
David Duncan House (125 Moatfield Dr.), originally built in 1865, underwent extensive renovations and has reopened under new management and the “culinary guidance” of Executive Chef Richard Andino (Tapagria, Carens Yorkville, Dyne). New additions include an outdoor patio for up to 120 guests and oyster bar.
Listen up. Michelin Star Chef Ernesto Iaccarino is coming to Toronto to head up Don Alfonso 1890 (19 Toronto St.) in the beautiful historic Consumers' Gas Building, in partnership with Liberty Group (BlueBlood Steakhouse, Cibo, Spice Route, to name just a few). Locations around the world include Macau, New Zealand and Italy. Reservations are now being accepted for Wednesday forward. Keep your eyes locked here for more news.
Eva's Original Chimneys continues world domination via their chimney cones, chimney cakes and chimdogs. Just two weeks ago they launched at Scarborough Town Centre, and this past weekend, debuted in Port Credit (53 Lakeshore Rd. E.).
Vegan eatery The Goods got new digs on Roncey (279 Roncesvalles Ave.).
Hunter Coffee Shop (423 Vaughan Rd.), Cedarvale Park’s newest independent coffee shop, has your caffeine fix at the ready, alongside a selection of sweet and savoury baked goods.
One cup is never enough. And as it turns out, neither are locations these days. Jimmy's Coffee rolled out a second spot (100 Portland St.) on Monday, right across the street from the original venue (107 Portland St.).
The Distillery Historic District just got a stunning new tapas restaurant featuring exhilarating authentic and modern Spanish fare from renowned Spanish chef Ramon Simarro. Madrina Bar Y Taperia (2 Trinity St.) is currently in “soft open mode with some walk-in services,” so call to see what the hours (if any) are available. The grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11th. Stay tuned – I’ll have an inside look for you coming soon.
Place your order for Turkey Carnitas Salad Bowl, Fired Up Shrimp Burrito, Vegetable Sofrito Burrito Combo, tacos, quesadillas, and other dishes at Mexicados Burritos & Bowls (1022 Queen St. E.), set to open Wednesday in Leslieville.
Doors open at 7pm tonight for the grand opening of Salumi Bar (593 College St.).
Healthy options such as smoothie bowls, salads, wraps, and fresh juices are the focus at Trish Juice Port Credit (150 Lakeshore Rd. W.).
Game on! Two Dogs Sports Bar (1620 Bayview Ave.) opened Friday.
One sports bar isn’t enough, you say? Okay, I accept your challenge – Cabbagetown’s Wing House & Sports Bar (420 Parliament Ave.) has got you covered.
CLOSED
Fring’s (455 King St. W.) by celebrity chef Susur Lee is done after Saturday night’s service.
Maria Sandu’s shop at 202 Kensington Ave. - the oldest in Kensington Market - has closed.
EVENTS
Reservations begin today for “Toronto’s favourite summer foodie event,” Summerlicious - July 6 to 22.
Pop. Clink. Fizz! Veuve Cliquot takes over the city with their annual Yellow Week festivities. New this year: pop-up Veuve Cliquot Café (146 Ossington Ave.), happening today ‘til Sunday.
Summer Solstice Foodie Fest takes place tonight.
Toronto's first Vegan Boat Cruise sets sail tomorrow evening.
Have you been to the SummerhillxRestoPopUp yet? There are just 10 days left to pick up healthy-meal-in-a-bowl FLOCK salads while getting your groceries. #thisisthelife
NEWS
The “World’s Best Restaurant” is….
According to another outlet, “Toronto’s Best Restaurants” are…
The Globe & Mail published an article on Tuesday in which Canadian winemaker Norm Hardie is accused of sexual misconduct. Yesterday afternoon, he published a response on Instagram.
A fire broke out during Taste of Little Italy.
Millennials, what say you? Are you the worst tippers?
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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.