Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News November 14-20, 2019

OpenClosed Nov14-20, 2019 Toronto Restaurants Stephanie Dickison.jpg

I’ve got 17 new ways for you to fête Scorpio and sweater szn this week.

You’ll notice massive openings, a lot of changes going down in The Annex in particular, and a whack of closures to take note of.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN 

If you prefer your bubble tea shop the colour of macarons, with menus edged with cartoon cat paws, head to new Cat Tea Time (522A Yonge St.) at Yonge & Wellesley. Bonus: Nestled inside, a hot pot concept with ingredients laid out salad bar style. 

As of today, Chen Chen’s Nashville Hot Chicken takes over Supermarket’s (268 Augusta Ave.) kitchen with an expanded menu and “authentic Southern soul food experience.”

Just in time for the holidays, Danish Pastry House lands at  Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr., Level 2 near entrance 4), with an array of Fastelavnsboller, Hindbær Snitter, Smør Firkanter, and Greta Garbos. Happy hygging.

Dasoni Authentic Korean Cuisine (630 St.Clair Ave. W.) now calls Humewood home.

Etobicoke dwellers can tuck into winter warmups including Budae JJigae aka Army Base Stew ($14), Champong ($13), and Korean Ramen ($10) at Don Chon Korean BBQ & Wings (834 The Queensway).

Great Canadian Diner (598 College St.) offers everything from Breakfast Poutine to a New York Strip.

Cabbagetown just got a new destination for Indian food. Introducing Haldi (568 Parliament St.) with not-to-be-missed Madras Smelts ($15.50), Nalli Gosh/Lamb Shank ($14), and Thums Up and Limca soft drinks. 

Create your own one-of-a-kind KIT KAT chocolate bar at KITKAT Chocolatory debuting today at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.). You’ve got +2,000 flavour combos to choose from at “the first of its kind in North America” shop, complete with Chef’s Table™. 

Konveni Go Mart (527 Bloor St. W.) in The Annex is not just your one-stop-shop for fun snacks from Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand. There’s hot snacks (New Orleans Roast Wings 6/$5.99, Squid Tentacle Skewers 2/$3.09, Takoyaki Octopus Balls 6/$5.99), an Oden Station (Veg Skewers $1ea, Meat & Seafood $2ea), sandos (Egg Salad $3.25), and onigiri (Roasted Eel $225) in-store too.

Longo’s opens its 36th store on Wednesday in Liberty Village (1100 King St. W.). The west end shop is jam-packed with enticing modern day offerings: hand-stretched mozzarella, Amsterdam Brewery suds brewed on-site, food bars (pasta, burgers, salumi) stone-oven pizza counter, fresh sushi, and Jacked Up Coffee outpost. Prepared foods will also be available through Uber Eats and Ritual.

Monkey Sushi (493 Bloor St. W.) in The Annex boasts a logo of, what else - a monkey face maki. 

Sweat and Tonic (225 Yonge St.) launches Saturday with millennial musts: meditation pod, infrared sauna, nutbar café, and striking bar with an homage to former occupant Toronto’s first cocktail bar, The Silver Rail.

Original Shawarma (848 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., Unit 1B) in Mississauga is celebrating their grand opening on Saturday with 50 per cent off.

Pizzaface Italian Bar + Kitchen (221 Richmond St. W.) joins The Fifth Inc. in the Entertainment District with a pizza, pasta and wine-focused concept.

Stop by Qin's Garden (435 Spadina Ave.) for a selection of rice, noodles, stir fries and dumplings.

Sultan’s Mediterranean Grill (505 St. Clair Ave. W.) specializes in a medley of cuisines, including Middle Eastern (shawarma, falafel), Greek (souvlaki), and American (cheesesteaks).  

Get a sneak peek of Tâm Vietnamese Street Food and Café at Monday’s pop-up in Chinatown before the launch of their new eatery in the Junction at the end of the month. 

CLOSED

I hope you enjoyed Hakka in The Annex while you had it, because Chopstick on Bloor (561 Bloor St. W.) is done. Taking over the space: Unicorn Café.

 Fifth Pubhouse (225 Richmond St. W.) has given way to a new concept (see above).

The Annex outpost of Gdous Juicy Chicken House (495 Bloor St. W.) didn’t last, but their Chinatown spot remains (221 Spadina Ave.).

Hiwa Japanese Restaurant (64 Edward St.) softly opened about a month ago, but is already “under renovation” according to the sign posted on the door.

HuaJia Rice Noodle (487 Bloor St. W.) made its debut at the beginning of the year, however the space is currently available for lease.

This week, Giulietta’s David Minicucci and Chef Rob Rossi announced L’Unità’s (134 Avenue Rd.) final day will be New Year’s Eve, with their new concept taking over Spring 2020.

Annex mainstay New Generation Sushi (493 Bloor St. W.) has been replaced by yet another sushi resto (see above).  

After 27 years in The Junction. Pascal's Baguette & Bagels (2904 Dundas St. W.) have closed up shop.

Sorelle & Co.’s swish Yorkville spot (161 Yorkville Ave.) proves pretty doesn’t equal permanent. 

While the restaurant side of Uncle Smoke Cookhouse (2285 Dundas St. W.) may have finished, their catering biz remains in full swing. 

EVENTS

It’s that time of year again. The Toronto Christmas Market kicks off today in the Distillery District, lasting until December 22nd. 

Taste of Iceland makes its way across the 6ix this weekend, with festivities starting today. 

CAMP Presents: A Collective Feast is happening tomorrow night.

Three words: Beer. Pong. Festival. Palooza, Saturday noon-9pm.

 Monday’s Japanese Food Festival ain’t cheap.

George Brown’s Waterfront Campus Atrium transforms into La Rambla Street Market at lunchtime on Tuesday. 

NEWS 

Second Cup is changing its name. Meet Aegis Brands Inc., soon to be coffee and cannabis. 

We need more late night options. City officials finally agree.

The Pilot celebrates 75 years in Yorkville.

Celebrity chef Lynn Crawford and Schwartz’s Deli add menu items to Sunwing selections.

Vegan sushi has arrived.

Plant-based burger Plantiful is in the works at Wendy’s. 

Dining globes have returned.

You heard it here first: Au Pied de Cochon dishes aren’t making their way to the T-dot this year as per usual, due to “local political issues way beyond our will. Therefore, the Au Pied de Cochon team is forced to cancel it's [sic] annual visit to TO with respect to the drop-off point we regularly have since a couple of years. To all of you, precious customers, we send our best wishes for the Holiday season.” Mon dieu.

ICYMI

Eataly Toronto opened last night. Take a guided tour.

Toronto just got three Buddy Calastro Cake Boss cake ATMs in the downtown core and I’ve got exclusive details.

FYI 

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

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