🕒 5 min read

Despite the short week, I’ve got 12 destinations for you to head out to or order in from this weekend. And a handful that offer something truly different, which is very exciting especially if your cooking fatigue level is anywhere near mine.

Be sure to read all the way to the end - there’s big news you don’t want to miss.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN 

Chung Chun Rice Hot Dog has been busy. After touching down in The Annex this summer, they’ve already expanded to Yonge and Wellesley (582 Yonge St.). 

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice opened earlier this week in what was once Grinder Coffee (1021 Gerrard St. E.) at Gerrard and Jones in Leslieville.

The Collective, known for their fare at east side haunts including Dundas & Carlaw, Radical Road Brewing Co. and The Burren, added Mom’s Basement (1430 Danforth Ave.) to the roster.

Danish Pastry House just arrived at Mississauga’s Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Pkwy) with a bevy of Hindbær Snitte, Flødebolle, Nøddemazarin, Overskåren, Tebirkes, Valnøddebrød, et al.

Seasonal outdoor food and wine bar popup with a “pumpkin patch vibe” Fall n’ Leaves (621 Richmond St. W.) has been extended until October 31.

J&Y Chinese Cuisine (1108 Sheppard Ave. E.) debuted a few months ago at Sheppard and Leslie in North York.

Plant-based Lyfe Café at Lyfe Meditation Studio (998 Queen St. E.) at Queen and Carlaw debuts Friday. On the menu: Toasts, snacks, smoothies, juice, and coffee. 

MAS E MO by Paramount combines “the best of Lebanese & Italian cuisine” by two powerhouse restaurateurs, Mohamad Fakih, CEO/President of Paramount Fine Foods and celebrity chef Massimo Capra. Doors opened two days ago at the Paramount Yonge and Dundas location (253 Yonge St.).

North Kabab landed in Scarborough not long ago (234 Markham Rd.). Grand opening celebrations for their North York outpost (234 Markham Rd.) take place Saturday, with 20 per cent off all takeout orders for the day. 

If you live in Scarborough or are willing to make the drive, Sushi Baked By Sha might just save your weekend. 

You can get your hands on Brazilian tapioca crepes starting Tuesday at Tapi Go! (835 Bloor St. W.) at Bloor and Ossington. 

Today marks the grand opening of YoTea (16 Church St.) in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, with BOGO specials available until Sunday.

CLOSED 

After 30 years, owners of Brass Taps Pizza Pub (493 Danforth Ave.) Clare and Will Sturm said their final goodbyes on Friday.

Tortería San Cosme has let go of its brick-and-mortar spot in Kensington Market (181 Baldwin St.), switching to online orders, and popups to come.

EVENT

Don’t miss Nanoka Kitchen + Coffee’s PopUp at Fix Coffee + Bikes on Sunday.

NEWS 

Thanksgiving weekend was a hot mess.

As if restaurants don’t have it hard enough, now people are taking their patio heaters.

The City of Toronto and Ritual have partnered to launch Open for Business, a “collaboration to help small businesses across Toronto.”

Take a MasterClass with world-renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Peep the trailer.

Jason Momoa dug into a burger at the Kensington Market outpost of Ozzy’s Burgers this week.

ICYMI

Diving into Toronto Public Health’s recent stat about restaurants, then speaking about it.

It’s time.

In this week’s At The Pass, Hamza Aidrus of Alimentari shares fantastic advice, whether you’re in the industry or not.

The industry was dealt yet another devastating blow this week. Please support your local businesses and people whenever and as often as possible.

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Things change quickly these days. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news, updates, interviews + more. 

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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Need help to spread the word about your business, takeout menu, prepared dishes or pantry items without spending $$$? Get in touch.  

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