Open/Closed: week of July 19-25, 2018

July is typically a slow time for restaurants as many people go on holiday. That didn’t stop the avalanche of openings this week, however.

Say hello to just shy of 20 new restaurants, shops, and bars to dig into.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

 A La Turk (3443 Yonge St.) is now open, offering “the first Jagh kebab in Toronto” and other authentic Turkish fare.

Tuck into Halal manakeesh, shawarma, and pizza at Al Deewan (415 Kennedy Rd., Unit 9).

Chef Anna Chen (Buca Yorkville, Scaramouche, FIGO in Toronto; Zucca and Murano in the UK) is at the stove at Alma (1194 Bloor St. W.). Doors open tomorrow, with limited hours this weekend, and walk-ins only this week.

Brun & Fer Coffee (559 Parliament) debuted Monday. The coffee shop offers breakfast selections, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and smoothies, in addition to a variety of beverages.

Mexican snack bar Carlotta Bar just launched in The Beverly Hotel (335 Queen St. W.).

Shop healthy, organic products at just opened Green Planet Fine Foods (1480 Danforth Ave.).

Longing for a grain bowl, avocado toast, or smoothie while shopping? Hopscotch at Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.) has got you.

Jasper Dandy (725 Queen St. E.) went in where Boots & Bourbon. This time ‘round expect live music, sports and wings.

If you’re not already in the lineup for Jollibee Mississauga  (Seafood City at Heartland Town Centre 6045 Mavis Rd.), better get on it - doors open tomorrow at 7am.

Sip on a wide variety of sake at Koi Koi Sake Bar (179 Baldwin St.) in Kensington Market.

Maison Fou Brasserie got new digs at Dundas and Bathurst (791 Dundas St. W.) now. Doors open tonight at 6pm.

Leslieville’s M’Eat Resto Butcher (806 Queen St. E.) kicks off today - shop the meat counter and stay for lunch. Dinner service beings July 26th.

Paris–brest, éclairs, macrons – ooh la la! Moulins La Fayette has locations across Quebec, in Miami, and now right here in the 6ix (715 Queen St. W.).

Catch North of Brooklyn Pizzeria at #PizzaFestTO this weekend, then visit their new location starting Wednesday (511 Rogers Rd.).

O&B launches Italian restaurant Parcheggio at Bayview Village (2901 Bayview Ave., Suite 300) tonight at 5pm. In addition to fresh handmade pastas, choose from a selection of steaks, chops and seafood.

In the Bloor & Ossington ‘hood? Stop by Station Cafe & Kitchen (866 Bloor St. W.), complete with patio.

Sticky Rice (1489 Gerrard St. E.) just landed in Gerrard India Bazaar.

Oriental Rice Noodle House rolled out not one, but two locations in Chinatown (414 Dundas St. W.) and Scarborough (4186 Finch Ave. E., Unit 32).

CLOSED

Gyro Bar Souvlaki Kitchen’s Broadview and Danforth location (731 Broadview Ave.) didn’t make it, but you can visit them in Parkdale (1647 Queen St. W.) and East York (1050 Coxwell Ave.)

Pearl King (291 King St W.) has shuttered for numerous reasons including “all these changes on King Street.”

Pearl Harbourfront, inside Queen’s Quay Terminal (207 Queens Quay W., 2nd floor), remains open, as does Pearl Bayview Chinese Cuisine at Bayview Village (2901 Bayview Ave., Suite 300).

CLOSING

Chef Mark McEwan announced his restaurant North 44 will close at the end of the month. 

EVENTS

St. Lawrence Market’s “Market Battles” series celebrates all things barbecue at tomorrow night’s Smokehouse Barbecue.

Starting tomorrow, spend the weekend digging into pizza, pasta and other Italian comfort food at Pizza Fest Toronto. 

Whoa Famed Superiority Burger is popping up at The Black Hoof (928 Dundas St W.) for one-day only this Sunday. Doors open at noon.

Drink up at Caesar Fest at the Fifth Social Club and Rooftop Terrace (225 Richmond St. W.), happening this Sunday.

Toronto’s Festival of Beer isn’t happening until next weekend, but you’d better get tickets now.

Seedlip - the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit served in some of the world’s best cocktail bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury hotels – is heading out on the road. N o l o ® by Seedlip, the first No & Low ABV bar concept, launches in 16 cities around the world this month, including Toronto’s own Pretty Ugly Bar (1237 Queen St. W.) this Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pick up Smoke Signals Bar-B-Q (1242 Dundas St W.) 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 while grabbing groceries at Summerhill Market (446 Summerhill Ave. and 1057 Mount Pleasant Rd.) for a limited time. Available until July 31st.

NEWS

Jen Agg - owner of Grey Gardens, Rhum Corner, Cocktail Bar, and The Bloof Hoof (until Aug 20) - announced she’s taking over Swan, to open in September (892 Queen St. W.).

Toronto restaurateurs and chefs share their mental health struggles with The Guardian.

Oretta (633 King St. W.) s one  of five finalists in the 2018 Canada’s Best Restroom contest. You've got until August 17, to cast your vote.

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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.