Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News November 5-11, 2020

🕒 7.5  min read

As you may know, I’ve been away from work for the last few weeks, so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, and mountains of stuff to fill you in on.

Due to the fact that each edition of the Open/Closed takes so long for me to put together, there was no way for me to catch you up on three weeks in one issue (and it would take f-o-r-e-v-e-r for you to get through it with all the comings and goings!), so I’ll be rolling out the rest in the next while, alongside all the news and events that you should know about.

In the meantime, thank you for your support and understanding during the delay.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

If you’re all about freshly baked cookies (who isn’t?!), get your fix at Big Fat Cookies, The Food District in Square One’s (100 City Centre Dr.) latest arrival.

Speaking of dessert, Carlo’s Bakery Express - the cake ATM brought to you by Buddy Valastro of TLC hit show Cake Boss - has landed at CF Markville, just in time for the holidays.  

Croissants are suddenly everywhere, but nothing like Hazukido (Atrium 595 Bay St., Unit E-01). Grand opening celebrations kick off Wednesday November 11. 

JapaSando & Co. is one of four new virtual restaurants from Kinka Family (JaBistro, Kinka Izayaka, Kinton Ramen, Kintori Yakitori, Neo Coffee Bar).This one centers on “health forward,” oven-baked sammies. Choose from Chicken ($9.95), Beef ($12.95), Fish ($9.95), Katsu ($9.95) and Tofu ($9.95). 

Plant-based Jinglepear Deli (245 Greenwood Ave.) has taken over the former digs of Strickland’s Choice Meats. The grand opening took place on November 1.

Liberty Eats (129 Jefferson Ave.) in Liberty Village offers an array of dishes. Over 70, to be exact, including Veggie Pizza ($13), Fish & Chips ($16), and 10oz NY Striploin Steak Dinner ($24).

Obsessed with all things French? Head to Nord Lyon (665-667 Queen St. W.) for macarons, croissants, baguettes, viennoiseries, and other magnifique delights. Soft opening launches today at 8am, with a grand opening to follow on Saturday beginning at 8am.

Saltyz Grill (2075 Lawrence Ave. E.) in Scarborough does it all, from casual eats (burgers, subs) to finer fare (shrimp and rice plate, steak smothered in decadent cream sauce).

Toyko Sando & Chicken is another Kinka Family concept and ghost kitchen - this time, with an assortment of karaage fried chicken, wings, and sandos on offer.

These days, variety is life. So the range of shops at North York’s Upper East Food Club (5317 Yonge St.) - Alethea flowers and gifts, Cafe Bora pop-up, fusion Kokome Sushi, Machi Machi teas, and bao and rice box “specialist” Pear – allows you to change things up without traveling afar.

Junction Local (3076 Dundas St. W.), the west end spot known for southern comfort food, has been swapped out for Venga Cucina (3076 Dundas St. W.). The ownership is changing things up by specializing in Italian fare now, including authentic Pinsa Romana - aka Roman-style flatbread pizza.

CLOSED 

Korean eatery BOM Bibimbap (890 Yonge St.) at Yonge and Davenport is papered up, so visit their Gerrard & Bay (72 Gerrard St. W.) spot instead.

AAA Public House (598 Gerrard St. E.) in East Chinatown has closed for good. Triple A Bar’s other ventures - Big AAA (138 Adelaide St. E.) in Old Town and little aaa (1276 Queen St. E.) in Leslieville – remain open. 

Both Canadian outposts of Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver - Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) in North York and Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) in Mississauga - have shuttered. The restaurants were operated by King Street Food Company, the Toronto-based hospitality group that runs Bar Buca, Buca, Buca Osteria & Enoteca, CXBO Chocolates, Jacob’s & Co. Steakhouse, and La Banane.

Junction Local (3076 Dundas St. W.) has transformed into something different. See above for details.

Mad Dog Café (817 Gerrard St. E.) in Leslieville has come to a close, but is making way for something new next month. Stay tuned. 

Kristine Lukanchoff, owner of The Old Nick Pub (123 Danforth Ave.), made the difficult decision to close the longtime Danforth haunt due to all the restrictions brought on by the pandemic. 

While locations of The Pickle Barrel across the GTA have been able to ride out the global crisis, the colossal space at Yonge & Dundas (312 Yonge St.) wasn’t as fortunate.

Can you remember a time before Sushi Rolls was a part of the Atrium (595 Bay St.)? That’s how long it’s been a fixture. Stay tuned for what’s taking over. 

EVENTS 

You don’t want to miss modern Caribbean pop-up YAWD by chef Adrian Forte happening at Mahjong Bar (1276 Dundas St. W.) until November 15.

NEWS 

Anita Stewart, founder of Food Day Canada and local food advocate, passed away.

Congrats to Bar Raval for making it onto the The World’s 50 Best Bars list.

After being temporarily closed, Maha’s Brunch (226 Greenwood Ave.) reopens Friday.

BuaBua Thai (1677 Bayview Ave.) goes by Pii Nong Thai now. The rebrand is name only – the menu and chef remain the same.

You can add that distinctive KFC aroma to your abode this season with KFC 11 Herbs & Spices Firelogs.

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Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the Open/Closed.

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 without spending $$$? Get in touch.  

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