Open/Closed: week of July 12-18, 2018
It’s nonstop. This week’s 16 arrivals prove it. And that’s not including all the closings, breaking news, summer games, and events.
Is there more? Damn straight.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
All the way up. Big Trouble (460 Dundas St. W., 2nd Floor) is located on the second-storey. Settle into the cozy space festooned with Chinese lanterns, with baijiu cocktails and other Asian libations (Spice Rum Oolong Tea, Tequila Passionfruit, and Gin, Mangosteen & Umeshu) in hand.
“European-style tapas and cocktail bar” Bonafide Restaurant (209 Augusta Ave.) features an array of dishes under $29: Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with goat cheese ($9) Risotto ($11), Grilled Quail with Vermouth sage reduction ($12) Burrata Board ($24), and Steak frites ($27). The new addition to Kensington keeps it modern with a Bitcoin ATM on-site.
Have you always wondered what a tigernut is? Is it tasty? Find out this summer at The Chufa Co. (1973 Queen St. E.) where they’re serving up their non-dairy, vegan soft serve made with organic tigernuts.
Opening today - Greedy Duck (316 College St.). Just look for the sign with Daffy Duck in a chef’s hat.
Jodie's Joint (235 Augusta Ave.) isn’t your typical cafe. Sure there’s coffee, but you’ll also hemp everything - baked goods, t-shirts, cannabis hemp plant artwork even. Also for sale: lighters and two kinds of grinders, *cough* not meant for coffee beans. The grand opening takes place on July 23, but the shop’s open daily in the meantime.
Sidle up at the Lovejoy Bar Café at The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall (187 Bay St.) for seasonal sandwiches, soups, and salads, alongside craft cocktails, beer, and “strong” coffee program with BC’s Bows x Arrows Coffee Roasters.
You may visit Mukimuki (384 College St.) simply to utter the cute name, but you’ll stay for the Croquant Chou.
Osmows Mediterranean Cuisine expands again, this time in York Region (605 Rodgers Rd.). The grand opening happens this Friday, with a $50 gift card to be won, and “Buy 1, Get 1 50% off” special happening from 12-3pm.
Malayasian chain PappaRoti is world-famous for their crunchy, coffee caramel coated roti buns with rich butter filling. Lucky for us, they’ve landed smack dab in Chinatown (270 Spadina Ave., Unit 3), are open seven days a week, and their Ice Cream Buns have arrived just in time for the heat wave.
The arrival of Perogy Factory Outlet by Pelmen Foods in Etobicoke (777 The Queensway) proves it’s always a good time for pierogies.
Planta Sweets has popped up at Planta (1221 Bay St.) and Planta Burger (4 Temperance St.) with “raw” plant-based cookie dough - Birthday Cake or Chocolate Oreo ($5). Also available: chocolate truffles, big ass cookies, and Bar Ape gelato bars.
The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall (187 Bay St.) expands again with beer hall Pong Bar, set one level below. Work off the stress of the day with a game or two of ping pong, grab a bite (Beet & Kale Salad $7, Currywurst $9, Hot Fried Chicken $12), or a pint from one of 20 taps.
Smoke Signals Bar-B-Q (1242 Dundas St W.) is available at gourmet grocery store Summerhill Market (446 Summerhill Ave. and 1057 Mount Pleasant Rd.) for a limited time. Part of my yearlong #SummerhillxRestoPopUp series, co-owner/chef Nick Chen-Yin is featuring his mouth-watering ‘cue for the month of July. On the menu: Smoked Texas Brisket, Smoked Ribs, Carolina Pulled Pork, Mac n Cheese, Pickles, Pickled Onions, Pickled Carrots, Pickled Jalapenos, Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, and Sweet Tangy Sticky BBQ Sauce.
Cocktail-based snack bar Stray (532 College St.) launched Saturday in Little Italy.
Are Cream Cheese Milk Tea and Red Grapefruit Yakult missing from your life? All you need is Tea Land (231 Queen St. W.) to make it right.
The Yard Public House (1961 Queen St. E.) opened yesterday in the old Whitlock's spot. The philosophy here: “‘Farm to Table’ meets ‘Field to Rink’ & ‘Crop to Keg.’”
CLOSED
That was fast. AllStar Wings & Ribs (424–426 Danforth Ave.) didn’t last long in Greektown.
The Dog’s Bollocks (817 Queen St. W.) closes their doors tomorrow, due to changes to their lease.
EVENTS
This weekend, head to Halal Food Festival Toronto. Admission $5.
Toronto Hakka Festival takes place this Saturday.
Get tix now for next weekend’s Pizza Fest before they sell out.
And while you’re planning ahead, buy tickets for Canada’s largest rosé festival, The Rosé Picnic on August 11, and save $20.
Summerlicious continues until July 22.
CANCELED
A few cancelations to take note of: BurgerFest isn’t happening after all, and the Toronto Caesar Challenge that was canceled last week is issuing refunds (not to be confused with Caesar Fest, taking place July 22 at the Fifth Social Club and Rooftop Terrace).
NEWS
Congratulations to James Bailey of The Drake Hotel, crowned “Canada’s Most Imaginative Bartender” at Bombay Sapphire’s annual competition last week.
Corso Italia’s Lox + Schmear (1030 St. Clair Ave. W.) has created gender neutral language cards.
Canada's first shopping centre food market will open this fall in Newmarket’s Upper Canada Mall.
Never order these six items at a restaurant, according to Global News.
Vegandale is at it again. This week they announced Toronto's only vegan brewery and restaurant is opening this summer. And earlier this morning, they notified media of Copenhagen, a new vegan bakery & cafe launching “soon” on Queen West.
Speaking of vegan fare, the hype for the new plant-based Beyond Meat burger at A&W doesn’t seem to include vegans, according to the Vancouver Courier.
Aaaaand speaking of vegan burgers, The Burgers Priest launched their vegan burger - The Daniel - available at select locations only (Queen St. Queensway, Port Credit and Hurontario).
Now for some very non-vegan news: Jollibee Mississauga opens next week, so don’t miss next week’s Open/Closed for the date and time!
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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.