Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News August 22-28, 2019
Despite the flurry of exciting new eateries each week, there’s usually major overlap of dishes and cuisines.
Not this time. You’ve got options with these 16 destinations.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Tucked away on a side street between Jarvis and Church lies Bowl (107 Mutual St.), a modern Asian bowl eatery with sleek interior. Choose from build-your-own (baby size $8.99, reg $13.99 – bases include: white or brown rice, lettuce or vermicelli), or signature bowls (reg size only $12.99). Of particular note, the Octopusla ($12.99) boasting white rice, octopus, kimchi sauce, peas, cukes, carrots, corn, spring mix, green chili, seaweed, sesame seeds, and radish.
Butter Chicken Roti just debuted at First Canadian Place (100 King St. W.) in the Exchange Tower.
Cass Ave. (150 Eglinton Ave. E.) calls itself “Toronto’s new fav snack bar.”
You can get a sneak peek of forthcoming The Grand Order of Divine Sweets (The GOoD Sweets), at the 25th Annual Fan Expo Canada this week. The desserts, including Star Wars®, Spider-Man® and Dr. Who® themed treats, will also be available at their brick-and-mortar shop (1162 Queen St. W.) come September.
Majesty’s Pleasure dropped the “Her” and added another spa/nail bar with cocktails to their roster. In Yorkville, no less (102 Yorkville Ave., Unit 2). Doors open Wednesday.
Herby Eatery And Drinkery (397 Danforth Ave.) has taken over from where Sushi Friends was.
The Loft Board Game Lounge (171 College St.) brings together board games and bubble tea across from U of T.
Megas (456 Danforth Ave.) has been a Greektown staple for 23 years. They’ve just reopened under new management, with a refreshed look and menu.
Mad Radish opens its doors at First Canadian Place (100 King St. W.) on the concourse level, right under the Exchange Tower today.
Grand opening celebrations for Maurya East Indian Roti Cuisine’s third location (1549 Bayview Ave.) take place on Wednesday.
Piquette (1084 Queen St. W.) - brought to you by chef/restaurateur Grant van Gameren and team – has got you covered for small plates and wine seven days a week at Queen and Dovercourt.
Noodle lovers unite! Ryus Noodle Bar’s second outpost at Queen and Bathurst (669 Queen St. W) just opened.
Supernova Coffee (897 Broadview Ave.) is filled with coffee, freshly baked scones and muffins, art, and music.
Doors opened earlier this week for Sushi MoMo (3226 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) in Long Branch.
Lauren Bailey has produced many culinary TV shows including Top Chef Canada, Pizza Masters, and Southern Fried Road Trip. Now she, along with singer/songwriter Clamp, have launched Today/Tonight (1704 Queen St. W.), “a dual-concept spot” – coffee stand during the day (coffee, pastries) that transitions into a live bar at 5pm. The small stage will feature mostly live music, with the occasional comedian. Evening fare includes steamed hot dogs (veg dog and g/f buns also available) and fresh popped popcorn.
Regent Park just got a spot for pizza and pasta, thanks to Vicino Italian Kitchen + Pizzeria (148 Sumach St.). On the menu: antipasti ($5-$18), salads ($12-$16), meat and cheese plates ($16-$17), 10” + 16” pizzas ($16-$26), and pasta ($15-$22). Currently only open for dinner service, they plan to expand their hours shortly.
CLOSED
Hot dog and burger spot Basa's World (1175A St. Clair Ave. W.) has ceased service for now, but will be reopening in a new location.
Around since 1988, Fred’s Not Here and The Red Tomato (321 King St. W.) will serve their last meals in the Entertainment District on Sunday, as “the property owner is preparing to develop a condominium,” says owner Fred Luk.
You’ll have to visit one of Gong Cha’s six other locations across the GTA, as the Yonge & Wellesley one (575 Yonge St.) is papered up.
The folks of Harry’s Charbroiled announced they’re closing up shop October 5th.
Auusie Pie mecca Kanga is saying goodbye to their Entertainment District location. Doors for 65 Duncan St. close tomorrow. Their two other locations however, remain open.
Lot 30 Brewers’ (303 Lansdowne Ave.) windows are papered up.
Olympic 76 Pizza Cafe (8 Gloucester St.) opened their doors 43 years ago in 1976. They’ve shuttered due a new construction project.
Arcade bar Pixels and Pints (791 Broadview Ave.) sure didn’t last long.
EVENTS
Tomorrow night is the launch of Kanto Night Food Fest, a celebration of Filipino street food.
Head to the CNE Food Truck Frenzy this weekend for an array of dishes and cuisines.
Sip on +100 ciders from more than 33 cideries across Canada at this weekend’s Toronto Cider Festival.
The Korean Harvest Festival takes over Mel Lastman Square this weekend.
Dig into Japanese fare at Japan Festival Canada, taking place at Mississauga Celebration Square on Saturday and Sunday.
Sun and suds are the plan for Saturday’s Leslieville Beerfest.
Saturday’s Summer Afro-Caribbean Vegan Evening Market is a free event.
CRAFT Beer Market’s Caskapalooza on Wednesday allows you to sample a number of craft brews.
NEWS
Paolo Caputo, owner of Domani Restaurant and Wine Bar on Roncesvalles, was shot and killed on Friday.
Congratulations to Gulshan Allibhai, owner of iconic Lahore Tikka House, who will a TED Talk speaker at TEDxToronto this fall.
Cocktail Emporium is opening a third location early next year at Union Station.
Vancouver’s Donnelly Group (owner of Toronto’s Belfast Love, Death & Taxes, Walrus, Pong Bar, Gift Shop, Lovejoy Café, and Barber & Co) announced the launch of wholesale cannabis distribution venture, Goodtrip Supply.
A serial diner and dasher is on the loose.
Eataly is set to open in Toronto in the fall. According to an interview in the Financial Post with Eataly’s executive president Andrea Guerra it’s not out of the question for us to get a second location.
You can get your Timbits delivered now.
7-Eleven Canada just introduced Beyond Meat Pizza.
ICYMI
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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.