🕒 5.5 min read

With all the upheavals in the industry right now, I thought maaaybe the arrivals might would slow down this month. I should have known better.

Say hello to 17 new destinations, confirming that despite a global pandemic, the city continues to buzz with activity.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN  

If you live by the mantra 'Shawarmas are life,' you’ll love Bouka Shawarma (2849 Kingston Rd. E.) in Scarborough.

Exciting news: The third outpost of Craig’s Cookies (1581 Bayview Ave.) debuts in tomorrow. Pro tip: Order extra.

ISO of a cold weather remedy? Start with handmade Shanghainese wontons from The Daily Dumpling Wonton Co. (750 Spadina Ave.) at Bloor & Spadina.

Will the breakfast sandos from Egg Club (88 Dundas St. E.) improve your WFH productivity? Maybe. 

Farm Boy (2149 Yonge St., 2nd level) opens today in Midtown at Yonge and Soudan.

For those still wondering whether the east end is worth the trip, I give you Gardel (1020 Gerrard St. E.), complete with heated patio.

If you weren’t already aware, croissants are having a moment. So go do some field “testing” at Dundas and Ossington’s Geste Croissanterie (1183 Dundas St. W.). Doors opened September 30. 

Gurume Sushi (45 Carlton St.) near Yonge and College launched last week, but the grand opening promotion continues with 20 per cent off all takeout orders.

Kenzo Japanese Noodle House (3337 Bloor St. W.) landed in Etobicoke last month with winter warmups including freshly made noodles and gyoza.

The Beaches just got a new destination for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare. Introducing: Limon Restaurant (1968 Queen St. E.).

MaisonT (1071 Shaw St.) by Toronto French chef Masayuki Tamaru is the French bistro this season calls for. Doors opened earlier this week.

Cabana Waterfront Patio (11 Polson Street at Polson Pier) has transformed into The Marquee, a 50,000 square foot patio with food by Oliver & Bonacini.

Canadian southern fried chicken chain Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters (519 Danforth Ave.) has taken over Café Frappe’s old digs in Greektown. 

Mel’s Pizza, a ghost kitchen by chef Matthew Sullivan, specializes in Canadian ‘za for delivery. Think Windsor-style with shredded pepperoni and mushrooms, ham and pineapple in honour of its Canuck roots, and garlic fingers inspired by the East Coast. In the works: wings and salads.

Look for the fourth satellite of Musoshin Ramen (9 Boustead Ave.) where Roncey meets Dundas.

Rogue Kitchen & Bar (35 Brunel Rd.) in Mississauga serves “locally inspired dishes and distinctive cocktails,” as does their nightclub. Doors opened September 4. 

From the folks behind Baddies and COPS comes WELL DONE!  (679 Lansdowne Ave.), a popup featuring smash burgers, fried chicken sandos, shakes and tots - aka basically everything you need in your life rn.

CLOSED

The Draft House (678 Yonge St.) - formerly The Pint House - is available for lease.

The Fry (544 Yonge St.) is on the move. 

Mickey’s Pizza (1900 Lakeshore Rd. W., Unit 8) landed in Mississauga a decade ago. The last day is Saturday, but stay tuned: another is the way.

Sushi Sky (478 Yonge St.) was a fixture on Yonge for over two decades. Now it’s a Domino’s Pizza.

TEMPORARILY CLOSED 

Maha's Egyptian Brunch (226 Greenwood Ave.) has closed temporarily due to a team member testing positive for COVID-19.

EVENTS

Latin bakery LGU Bakery Inc. is popping up in The District Kitchen at Square One this weekend with Halloween-themed goodies.

NEWS  

Yesterday, Toronto City Council unanimously approved Councillor Michael Ford’s motion to request the Province of Ontario to implement a temporary cap on commissions for food service delivery companies.

Restaurants get an extension for outdoor patios.

Food fight.

Beer writer Jordan St. John created a map of breweries throughout the province. 

ICYMI

Toronto chefs rock.

Chef Nick Yuli Lin of Constantine has thoughts.

Fighting for this since May.

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With so much happening every week, you’ve probably got some serious catching up to do. Check out previous editions of the Open/Closed.

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