Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News May 2-8, 2019
Often times, the openings are concentrated in one area. Not this week - it’s all over the map. And though not achingly long, stay tuned: May launches will be fast and furious. Plus, you’ve got an insane amount of news to catch up on.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Mississauga’s Heartland Town Centre (6055 Mavis Rd.) has become a destination in recent months, thanks to arrivals such as Jolibee, Seafood City, and Congee Queen. Introducing the newest addition to the roster: Edo Japan.
Elite 6ix Bar & Grill (200 Queen St. S.) also just landed in the 'Saug.
To locate Mexican-Canadian fusion Frisaca Bar (592 Queen St. W.), just look for the rainbow coloured mannequin out front : a mascot of sorts named Luis, dressed in various costumes, tops and hats, depending on the occasion. Pants however, have yet to be seen.
Cannabis HQ Hot Box Café (306 Eglinton Ave. W.) turns up at Eglinton and Avenue Rd., of all places.
Kinton Ramen brings its swoon-worthy noods to the Bloor West Village ‘hood (2216 Bloor St. W.). Doors are currently open, with the grand opening taking place Saturday 11:30am-10:30pm with all ramen 50 per cent off.
You know Ozzy’s Burgers from their Kensington outpost. Now their hand-pressed patties are available just north of the 6ix in Vaughan (3175 Rutherford Rd., Unit 32). Stay tuned. The expansion continues out to Mississauga this summer.
CLOSED
After 55 years, Allen's Scottish Butcher (2151 Weston Rd.) has closed up shop.
Bravi Ristorante (40 Wellington St. E.) is papered up for renos, according to their signage. Coincidentally, their website is currently down.
Underground resto House of Commons announced they’ll be closing this June. To commemorate the decade of service, there will a number of events including a last dinner series and four day goodbye party.
Redline Coffee & Espresso Bar (354 Queen St. E.) at Queen and Parliament is for lease.
EVENTS
One of the best drinks show of the year - Toronto Coffee & Tea Expo - returns this weekend, this time with a new venue, host, judges, and vendors. Get tickets now before they sell out. Bonus: use the custom discount code for @torontorestaurants.co followers to receive 15% off: BESTCOFFEE2019. Good for the first 100 tickets. And be sure you follow on Insta – more show news and coverage is coming your way.
Cinco de Mayo is almost here, so get THE most comprehensive guide to this year’s festivities - complete with tacos, tequila, cervezas and much more.
Sunday’s Ghanaian Brunch is #brunchgoals, so get tickets now.
NEWS
Bar Raval was awarded the top spot for the second year in a row on Canada’a 100 Best 50 Bars. Toronto secured 19 on this year’s list: The Bar at Alo (5), Archive 909 (18), BarChef (39), Birreria Volo (23), Burdock (31), Civil Liberties (30), Cocktail Bar (19), Cold Tea (15), Côte de Boeuf (27), d|bar (36), The Drake (41), Gift Shop (11), Mahjong Bar (35), Midfield Wine Bar & Tavern (33), Paris Paris (47). Pretty Ugly (8), Rush Lane & Co (28), and The Shameful Tiki Room (26),.
Toronto’s own chef Kevin Jeung, most recently of Alo, can now be found in Copenhagen in his new role in NOMA’s fermentation lab.
A Canadian chef just dissed women chefs and a Toronto chef is not having it.
One of the biggest bands on the planet, K-Poppers BTS, stopped by Ssangkye Braised Chicken House this week, causing a frenzy - lineups, selfies, and orders for the dishes they had.
This week Sproutly announced it’s joining forces with Moosehead Breweries to launch cannabis-infused beverages in Canada.
Luxury hotel Andaz Toronto is coming to Yorkville in 2022.
Numerous outlets have reported plant-based Beyond Meat products are coming to select grocery store at the end of May. Well, Sobeys has GMO-free Beyond Burgers in-store RN. Psst. These non-meat options also available at restaurants outside of A&W. Fresh Restaurants was one of the first with cheeseburger specials on the menu a year ago. Papi Chulos, now offers it in tacos. Even Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill has a Beyond Burger on the menu.
Some of Toronto’s top chefs trained at Ontario culinary institution, Stratford Chefs School. Discover the #NextGenChefs of today.
Yesterday, Foodora bike and car couriers announced their plans to unionize with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
The controversy surrounding Vegandale made headlines down under.
Not everyone thinks morning alcohol sales are a good thing.
When it rains, it pours.
Would you sign a waiver at a restaurant regarding your food allergy?
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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