Open/Closed: week of July 26-August 1, 2018

This week’s excitement includes new eateries on the Danforth, a selection of Asian restaurants, a Brazilian dessert trend you should know about, and not-to-be-missed news and events. Not too shabby for the end of July.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Basil Box continues its expansion across the GTA, this time landing at the Financial District's Royal Bank Plaza (200 Bay Street, Unit LC-F1).

Introducing North York’s newest BBQ joint: Beauty Barbecue & Smokehouse (2901 Bayview Ave., Suite 300).

You’re going to hear a lot about brigadeiros in the next few weeks. A string of sweet shops specializing in the traditional Brazilian dessert made with condensed milk and cocoa, are opening. The first to launch: Chocollata Gourmet (986-A Kingston Rd.).

Doors open today at 11:30am for Gyoko Sushi (2143 Danforth Ave.).

Enjoy an array of Japanese tapas, sashimi, and oysters at Nomé Izakaya at CF Shops at Don Mills (1090 Don Mills Rd.)

Osmow’s Danforth location (497 Danforth Ave.) quietly debuted yesterday.

Recipe Food Co. (696 Queen St. W.) launches with lunch service today at 11:30am.

Riverdale residents have a new brunch option with the arrival of Starving Artist (467 Danforth Ave.).

EVENTS

Sri-Lankan fare gets the spotlight this weekend at Kothu Fest.

Raise a glass – or seven** at this weekend’s Toronto’s Festival of Beer. (**Just kidding. Please drink responsibly.)

A Seinfeld Pop Up is happening at Lloyds on Queen (1298 Queen St. E.) on Saturday. Drinks will be available at 5pm, with food to follow at 6pm. Menu items include: Kenny Rogers Roasters, pastrami on rye, soup, and black and white cookies

It doesn’t get much better than Sunday’s Momo Crawl TO 2018.

Taste of the Middle East Food Festival isn’t until next weekend, but get your tickets now before they sell out.

Want to experience a unique 3D dinner? Get tickets now for Dinner Time Stories taking place this fall.

NEWS

What’s going on? Toronto food fests are canceling left and right. Budweiser County Fair, Burger Fest, and Taste of Manila are just a few that have backed out in recent weeks.

Al Carbone - owner of Kit Kat Italian Bar on King West and newsmaker for last winter’s middle finger ice sculpture - is running for Toronto city council.

Popular, controversial chain Chick-fil-A is coming to Toronto.

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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.