Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News July 18-24, 2019
This week’s 12 arrivals offers everything from pizza, candy floss, and high-end udon to unique Tibetan and Thai fare. Hellooooo summer! ☀️☀️☀️
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Your new HQ for freshly bread, cake, and scones has arrived. Mississauga’s Bread and Salt Bakehouse (3455 Semenyk Ct.) debuted Monday.
World-renowned chef José Andrés once said, “Cotton candy is the most amazing form of caramelization ever invented by man.” Go see for yourself at the new Cotton Candy Shop at Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Pkwy.). serving up freshly spun organic candy floss Thursdays and Saturdays.
Macaron makers Daan Go Cake Lab and lab-themed tea café Labothéry have joined forces in The Path in the Richmond Adelaide Centre (120 Adelaide St. W., Unit 31) food court.
The fifth outpost of Eat BKK (580 Queen St. W.) launched yesterday right at Queen and Bathurst.
Thai bbq and more wine? Uh, Favorites (141 Ossington Ave.) with a Sam James Coffee Bar in front, is one of the best things to happen this summer. Brought to you by chefs and restaurteurs Jonathan Poon and Jesse Fader (Superpoint, Superpoint Express, Paris Paris), Monte Wan (Khao San Road, Nana, Bang Sue Bar, Bangkok Buri) and Chef Haan Palcu-Chang. Doors open T-O-D-A-Y. Note: One seating only, full service starts Friday.
Good Karma’s first location landed at Fairview Mall in November, and has been rapidly expanding ever since. The latest two opened at shopping malls within days of one another – one at Yorkdale and another at Markville. With more in the works.
Parkdale’s The Gourmet Shop (1540 Queen St. W.) offers everything from coffee and pastries to imported pastas, rubs, and sauces.
The Little Jerry (418 College St.) at College and Bathurst has got you covered for music, funky ciders, and herbal liqueurs.
Arcade bars are popping up all over the place. So far, Room 104 (86 Peter St.) is the only one with live music, comedy nights, and 104 shots at $4 a pop.
Songtsen Gampo Café (1504 Queen St. W.) in Parkdale offers affordable Tibetan fare such as: Veg Momo ($6.99), Dropa Katsa (beef tripe - $6.99), Mokthuk (dumplings in bone broth $6.99), and Shabalay (Tibetan beef patties – 5/$7.99).
Tip: Add Zen’s new udon spot, Zen Sanuki Udon (720 Midland Ave., Unit 113) in Scarborough, to your bucket list.
CLOSED
Ematei (30 St. Patrick St.) says sāyonara after 30 years.
Julie’s Cuban (202 Dovercourt Rd.) will be closing up shop after 25 years on September 1st.
Sunday’s the last day to visit Wildfire North York (3438 Yonge St.), an uptown neighbourhood staple for the last 22 years. Until then, select wines from the extensive wine list are available for half price.
EVENTS
Head to Rose & Sons tomorrow for burgers and sides by Jeremy Spector of NYC’s The Brindle Room. Actually, you’d better start lining up now. Seriously.
Canada’s Wonderland's annual Brew & BBQ Festival kicks off today.
If you live by the motto, “In Crust We Trust,” this weekend’s Pizza Fest is for you.
North America's largest Halal festival, Halal Food Fest Toronto, is taking over The International Centre in Mississauga this weekend.
Sunday get a Taste of Germany at Evergreen Brick Works.
BrazilFest is happening at Earlscourt Park on Sunday.
Oyster lovers unite! Rodney’s Oyster House holds its annual Ontario Oyster Festival this Sunday.
NEWS
Actor/Producer Samuel L. Jackson was spotted at Mengrai Thai earlier this week.
Chicago restaurateur Eddy Cheung, who started many restaurants in Toronto including Jade Court and Mandarin Palace, has passed away at the age of 69.
Beyond Meat is now officially beyond mainstream. Their burgers were just added at Tim Hortons and The Old Spaghetti Factory has added the plant-based “meat” to its Spaghetti and Meatballs at locations across Canada.
ICYMI
Giulietta. Go. Posthaste. Find out why in The Reveal.
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