I told you December was going to be busy.

With 20 arrivals this week, you’re going to have to plan wisely. The good news: it’s easier than ever to get caffeinated and/or find a place to eat during the holiday rush.

Here’s the very latest:
OPEN

Ever find yourself thinking, “Please grant me coffee to change the things I can, and yoga to accept the things I can’t”? Then AM Coffee Studio (2233 Dundas St. W.), “a space for community and yoga and coffee,” is for you.

Starting today, Boxcar Social (1208 Yonge St.) expands next door - former home of Yeah Yeahs Pizza (1210 Yonge St.) - with ample seating, and food and drinks served throughout out the day.

Church’s Chicken has a new lewk. Say hello to Church’s Texas Chicken. Their East York location (3003 Danforth Ave.) is the first to showcase the transformation.

Doors opened Monday for Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen (1613 Bayview Ave.). Menu items include three shakshukas ($13-$18), fukhara (stew braised in clay posts, served with bulgur or rice $16-$24), and mashawi (selections from the grill $18-$32).

First Canadian Place (100 King St. W.) is fire this week, with not one, but two arrivals. The first: Focacceria Forno Cultura, a one-stop shop for all things focaccia. Drool. 

Well they don’t mess around. Fresh Burger just launched two locations in Mississauga: 6575 Airport Rd. and 5089 Dixie Rd.

The latest revamp by Chef Anthony Rose, The Grand Elvis (176 Dupont St.), softly opens tomorrow and Saturday, and according to the restaurateur, “for REALS” on Tuesday.

Trinity Bellwoods adds another coffee shop to its roster with Hamers Coffee (870 Dundas St. W.).

Hush Hush Bar (2952 Dundas St. W.) is the city’s latest “secret” bar.

In the mood for specialty coffee and homemade baked goods? Head to Isle of Coffee (380A Eglinton Ave. W.) at Avenue Road and Eglinton.

Pakastani eatery Karahi Point features dishes with fresh ingredients and 100% halal meat. Their new venue in Mississauga (6905 Millcreek Dr.) opens today. Enjoy a 15% discount “on this long awaited occasion of opening.”

Visit French restaurant and tea salon Ladurée at their new home at  First Canadian Place in the PATH (100 King St. W.), complete with usual array of stunning viennoiseries, pastries, and macarons. 

Mofercoffee (1577 Danforth Ave.) opened Sunday at the southeast corner of Coxwell and Danforth, just outside Coxwell Station. 

Formerly shuttered Rocca’s No Frills (269 Coxwell Ave.) at Coxwell and Gerrard, reopens today at 8am. 

Sandwich ’N Such (2238 Dundas St. W., Unit 104), not far from Dundas West Station, isn’t your average sandwich stop. In addition to serving up breakfast, Italian, and classic sandos, the initiative allows “youth and adults with autism and other disabilities to gain confidence and gives purpose and opportunity for inclusion in the broader community.”

While their Bloor and Lansdowne eatery remains closed amid a prolonged rent dispute, South Indian Dosa Mahal (9 Roncesvalles Ave.) launched their Roncey outpost on Sunday. 

Headed to Mississauga’s Square One this holiday? Stop by Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake new spot in The Food District (100 City Centre Dr.). Hint: Look for the long lineups.

Spice it up with Vikram Vij - a pop-up curated by celebrity chef Vikram Vij - commences Saturday. Held at Cafe Nicole at the Novotel Toronto Centre (45 The Esplanade) until January 5, 2020, the three-course dinner plus amuse bouche ($89.95/pp, not including gratuity or drinks) is meant to be enjoyed before heading to Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical.

ZWILLING J.A. Henckels debuts at Markham’s CF Markville Mall (5000 Hwy 7) today. To celebrate, a grand opening sale is happening until December 9th.

CLOSED

Saturday marks the final day for contemporary Asian bistro Aniq (403 Roncesvalles Ave.). 

INK Entertainment announced yesterday La Société’s location at The Colonnade (131 Bloor St. W.) is set to close after eight years. The last service will be New Year’s Eve.

One East Chinatown’s iconic restaurants, Pearl Court Restaurant (633 Gerrard St. E.), closed on Sunday. A new sushi and dim sum concept by the folks behind eateries specializing in Chinese BBQ and sushi, is set to replace it in the new year. 

EVENTS 

Toronto’s First-Ever Vegan Wine Fair takes place today.

Holiday Fair in the Square at Nathan Phillips Square kicks off on Saturday.

God jul. The Swedish Christmas Fair takes over Daniels Spectrum this weekend.

The Toronto Christmas Market is on until December 22nd.

NEWS  

Toronto’s own Alo landed seventh place on La Liste 2020. Seventeen Canadian restos in total made it onto the list “based on the compilation of hundreds of guidebooks and millions of online reviews,” including Ontario eateries Edulis, Don Alfonso 1890, Buca Osteria & Bar, Scaramouche, and Langdon Hall Dining Room & Terrace.

According to Happy Cow, Toronto is one of the world’s top vegan cities.

Swap in beer for yogurt for gut health. For reals.

If it’s not Salmonella or Listeria, it’s E. freakin’ Coli. Check out the latest recall.

Cha-ching. Your grocery bill is about to increase again.

Why you should hold your fries and chips close. 

Michelin-starred chef Gianluca Gorini aplogized for racist photo,.

Two men from College Street Bar - the former owner, and bar manager - have been found guilty of “gang sexual assault and administering a stupefying drug.”

Burger King just announced plans to open over 100 restaurants in Ontario and Manitoba over the next five years. 

ICYMI 

Discover what sets The Green Wood apart from the rest, and  find out about their new location opening soon.

It’s never too late to start an advent calendar - just think how much fun it will be catching up! Read my roundup of the Top Food + Drink Advent Calendars in the city. 

In this month’s At The Table, actor Carolina Bartczak (Magda in X-Men: Apocalypse) dishes on her favourite Toronto restos, what she’s likely to whip up at home, and the lengths she’ll go to for a certain snack.

 FYI 

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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Want to partner with Toronto Restaurants? Send me an email: writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.