I’ve got 12 new arrivals for you this week, showcasing an array of tantalizing cuisines and the exciting transformation of neighbourhoods including Cabbagetown and Mount Pleasant.

And wait ‘til you see what’s been going on in Little Italy lately..

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

If you prefer your fried chicken large, crispy and Taiwanese, head to ChiChop’s new location in Koreatown (630 Bloor St. W.).

If escape rooms and axe throwing are your jam, head Escape Manor (383 King St. W.) open now, with grand opening celebrations to follow Wednesday evening (note: Wednesday evening’s festivities are closed to the public).

Juicy Dumpling (280 Spadina Ave.) serves an “authentic taste of Shanghai” via dumplings of every kind – steamed, pan-fried, and soup – alongside fried chicken, deep-fried fish, green onion pancakes, and more.

Karas Shawarma has landed in Mississauga at Eglinton and Tenth Line (3435 Eglinton Ave. W.).

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mississauga’s Les Moulins La Fayette (17-1675 The Chase).

After long delays, Mantra launched at CF Shops at Don Mills (2 O'Neill Rd.) on Monday. The menu includes Indian classics in addition to modern renditions such as Portobello Mushroom and Cheese Flatbread, Butter Chicken Bao, Pulled Jackfruit Tacos, and Beer Battered Fish Amritsari.

The Mount Pleasant Rose (744 Mount Pleasant Rd.) - “Midtown’s favourite pub,” complete with live music and patio - opened this weekend.

The “soft” opening of Myato Gastropub (549 Bloor St. W.), a Korean fusion pub in the Annex, begins tonight.

My Roti Place has expanded with a second location in King West Village (901 King St. W.).

The Peacock Public House (582 College St.), “sister pub” of the Queen and Beaver (35 Elm St.), is taking over the space formerly home to Mad Crush Wine Bar. Doors open tomorrow at 11:30am, with a grand opening party to follow in the evening.

“Global comfort food and cocktails” are the name of the game at Etobicoke’s Rustic Social House (2083 Lake Shore Blvd. W.).

Cabbagetown has a new destination for noodle lovers, with the arrival of Tokyo Ramen (568 Parliament St., lower level).

CLOSED

The Little Italy location of Burrito Burrito (655 College St.) may be for lease, but the 388 Richmond St. W. eatery remains open.

The Fish Store & YuNes' Sandwiches (657 College St.) is currently “under maintenance” and will “reopen soon.” It was one of three establishments damaged in a fire.

Ghazale (661 College St.) is closed for renovation due to a fire. Visit them at Bloor and Bathurst (504 Bloor St. W.) and Kipling and Lakeshore (3180 Lake Shore Blvd. W.).

Where are we supposed to get our Kentucky Fried Handshake Sandwich and Jack and Coke slushie now that Home of the Brave (589 King St. W.) has shuttered after five years?

Mad Crush Wine Bar (582 College St.) closed less than a year in, but it’s already been transformed into something new (see above).

There’s a “For Lease” sign in the window of Toronto's “premier shaved ice bar” Paradice Shaved Ice (792 College St.), after launching just three months ago.

Since 1990, Rashnaa Restaurant (307 Wellesley St. E.) served authentic Sri Lankan and South Indian food in Cabbagetown. Thank you for almost thirty years of service.

After “eight wonderful years,” Seventh Sister Bakery (53 Roncesvalles Ave.) closes on Sunday.

Vivoli (665 College St.) “had a fire at the restaurant and will be closed for a few months.” Stay tuned for a reopening date.

EVENTS

Today marks the launch of Toronto Oktoberfest.

Two words – pancakes and booze. ‘Nuff said. So head to the The Pancakes & Booze Art Show tomorrow night.

Saturday’s International Dumpling Festival at Nuit Blanche is sure to be a hit.

And you don’t want to miss Taste of Jane and Finch on Saturday.

Bayview Leaside BIA’s Apple Fest takes place this weekend.

This weekend is your last chance to get Patois’ delectable Jerk Chicken + Coconut Rice ‘n Peas Combo ($18) and Jamaican Coleslaw ($8), so head to the Summerhill Market (446 Summerhill Ave.) before September’s #SummerhillxRestoPopUp comes to an end. And stay tuned - the announcement of October’s exciting arrival is coming soon.

Mic drop. ICYMI - Rene Redzepi is coming to Toronto in October. Tickets are going to go like that, if they haven’t already.

NEWS

Bombay Bhel in Mississauga (5035 Hurontario St.) is back.

A fire broke out at Margaritas Toronto (14 Baldwin St.) last week.

Farm Boy announced Toronto is getting a second location, this time in Leslieville.

Bar Raval (505 College St.) nabbed #70 in the 51-100 category of Best 50 Bars in the World.

Work front of house? Keep an eye on your terminals.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

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