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

From bubble tea buns to corn flake fried chicken, this week’s 15 arrivals are anything but boring.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN 

Animal Liberation Kitchen (717 Queen St. E.), specializing in vegan and organic fare, softly opens today.

The wide-ranging dinner menu at Aviator Danforth (1458 Danforth Ave.) includes a Tofu Wrap ($16), Buttermilk & Corn Flake Fried Chicken ($18), and Braised Short Rib ($33).

Blaze Pizza (4841 Yonge St.) makes its North York debut tomorrow, just in time for Pi Day (see details in EVENTS below).

Continuing its rapid expansion across the city, Butter Chicken Roti (201 King St. E.) lands across from St. James Campus at George Brown.

Coffee and baked goods are the name of the game at Cafe 23 (728 Queen St. W.)

California Asian cuisine has arrived, thanks to Kardashian-approved Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen (363 Bremner Blvd.) What does that mean exactly? Chinese burritos, Asian spiralized vegetable salad, and Chin Chin Chinese Chicken Salad with signature red ginger dressing, for starters.

Feng Cha, home of milk teas (i.e. Oreo Cheese, Matcha Red Bean) is opening a new spot this weekend in Thornhill (505 Hwy 7, Unit 61-63), complete with, get ready for it - bubble tea buns. Doors open Saturday.

Flipside Donuts Cafe & Bar (12 Case Goods Lane) is serving up coffee, donuts, and booze in The Distillery.

The downtown location of Green Tea Restaurant (261 Spadina Ave.) - the No.1 Southern Chinese restaurant chain, with over 80 locations in China and one at First Markham Place (3235 Hwy7 E, Unit 18) – opened Friday, with the grand opening to follow next weekend.

Working out just got a little easier, thanks to iQx BAY (199 Bay St.). Only catch: you have to be a member of Equinox’s Bay Street club.  

Shisha and coffee is what’s up at Cabbagetown’s Megana Hookah Lounge (460 Parliament St.).

“Canada's premier dining and entertainment destination” The Rec Room celebrates its grand opening at Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) on Monday. The 44,000 sq. feet space includes food, +100 video games, axe throwing, bowling, and an “immersive virtual reality experience.”

There’s a soft opening party tonight at The Shop (1566 Queen St. W.). Name sound familiar? The live music venue/bar beneath former Parts & Labour is back, with a regular lineup starting tomorrow. 

Tipsy Tamper (202 Ossington Ave.), lil’ sis to The Tampered Press (256 Crawford St.) opens Wednesday. The café will run 8am to 6pm, with Man of Kent open evenings.

Yunshang Bridge Rice Noodle is about to get a new home in North York. And the 5285 Yonge St. location is celebrating big time this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, the first 100 people will enjoy one free Yunshang Bridge Rice Noodle. Giveaway begins at 6pm.

CLOSED

Atlas Restaurant (18 Dupont St.) will have its last service on Saturday.

EVENTS 

Blaze Pizza, Pizza Pizza, and others eateries around town are celebrating Pi Day today, offering ‘za for $3.14.

It’s free to attend the all-day Caribbean Street Food Festival this Saturday in Leslieville (food is extra).

Get tickets now for the Made in Ireland Marketplace at George Brown Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts on March 21st. 

NEWS

Taylor Clarke - aka @chefgrantsoto - has passed away. Restaurateur Jen Agg launched a GoFundMe page.

ICYMI

Introducing your new go-to restaurant. That is, if you can snag a seat at one of the hottest spots in town. Discover more in #TheReveal.

New series Lost, Found & Overheard is a look at food and restaurants through a different lens. Think: fun, quirky.

This charming French eatery is one of the most underrated restaurants in the city. Discover why it should be your next reservation now.

Isn’t it time you elevated your St. Patrick’s Day cocktails? Toronto’s top bars share what they’re serving this weekend, recipes included.

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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. 

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