Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News February 13-19, 2020

🕒 7.5 min read

While there’s a slew of arrivals to get excited about this week (11!), take note of the many, many places that have shuttered (14!). It’s one of the longest lists of late. And of course, a whack of news too.

Here’s the very latest: 

OPEN

It wouldn’t be the Open/Closed without a bubble tea shop opening. This time, your tapioca dreams can be found at Bobacha Cafe and Snack Bar (259 Lakeshore Rd. E.) in Mississauga.

The third venture by Campechano - Mexican snack bar Buena Copa (460 College St.) at College and Bathurst – has arrived. Bienvenido!

Mount Pleasant Village’s The Chef Upstairs (516 Mount Pleasant Rd.) has expanded – to the ground floor. Introducing: The Chef Downstairs.

Dagu Rice Noodle has locations across Canada. The latest in the GTA? Empress Walk (5095 Yonge St., 3rd Fl.) in North York. Stay tuned. A Scarborough location is already in the works.

Long-time home of Golden Griddle (45 Carlton St.) has transformed into yet another breakfast chain: Eggspectation.

Enoteca Sociale (1288 Dundas St. W.) reopens today after a short closure. Both the space and menu got a revamp.

Knives out! Knife launched their second location earlier this week (1112 Queen St. E.). Visit their stunning new shop eastside in Leslieville, in addition to the flagship on Dundas West.

Guys like Kung Fu Tea are sure keeping me busy. Check out their newest shop in High Park (2298 Bloor St. W.), opening tomorrow.

Meat and Pie Co. (212 King St. W.) has got your cravings for meat and/or pie covered in the Entertainment District.

Muni Robata (30 St Patrick St.) is serving up starters of Suzuki Fennel Salad ($15.50)  and Crab Dumpling ($20), an assortment of salads ($10.90- $13.50) and tempura ($13.50-$27) alongside robata grill selections including Cornish Hen ($32.80) and Pork Ribs ($42) in EmaTei’s old spot.

Triple AAA Bar’s Riverside outpost (598 Gerrard St.) changed concepts: AAA LIVE is now a live music venue.

CLOSED

Cabbagetown has had a rough go lately. Beer Batter Fish ’n Chips (200 Carlton) just shuttered. The seafood eatery by the The Irv Gastro Pub team across the street debuted June 1, 2018.

Blackbird Baking Co.’s Kensington location (172 Baldwin St.) is currently under renovations, but they’re open across the street (185A Baldwin St.) for a month-long pop-up - complete with their luscious bread, pastries and sandos. Phew.

Boccone Deli & Pizza Bar (1384 Yonge St.) is closed, but not for long. The St. Clair stalwart is merely getting a “facelift.”

Buns out. Fancy Franks (484 Parliament) in Cabbagetown is being replaced by… tune in next week to find out. 

Good Earth Coffeehouse (198 Jarvis St.) launched at the corner of Jarvis and Dundas back in January 2017. The space is now up for sale.

Hitch (1216 Queen St. E.) in Leslieville stuck it out for seven years. They close after service on Saturday.

I broke the news about the “Notice of Distress” on the door of Kanpai Snack Bar in Cabbagetown last month. The corner spot is now for lease. 

Neighbor Wang (389 Church St.) launched Fall 2016 near Carlton,  but didn’t last admist the construction. 

Noah’s Natural Foods (21 Carlton St.) Yonge and College location is papered up. 

Leslieville’s The Peasant Table (782 Queen St. E.) is “closed for renovations,” yet their website isn’t online anymore. 

In case, you were hoping Pick 6ix Sports (33 Yonge St.) would return, all the signage has been removed.

Praise Patisserie makes a stunning debut inside BMV Books (244 Queen St. W.) December ’18.

Ruru (152 Dundas St. E.) moved into the Garden District back in November 2018, but is currently for sale and lease.

Spiga Ristorante (1378 Yonge St.) has closed due to “restructuring.” 

EVENTS

Asialicious launches today. The restaurant festival in Markham is in response to business downturn in the wake of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak. More than 100 restaurants are participating in the two-week promotion.

Mary’s Brigadeiro Valentine Pop-Up is in full swing at Billy Bishop Airport.

The Mac & Cheese Festival in Mississauga kicks off today.

Chefs For Change takes place tonight and next Thursday.

It’s the last day to get in on Winterlicious.

Stressbaking 101 is happening on Saturday.

Challenge accepted, Momo Eating Challenge 2020.

A number of Toronto restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries + cafes are helping to raise money for those affected by the devastating Australian wildfires. Check out the amazing new events happening around town.

NEWS 

PSA: White Claw is coming to Canada! Stay tuned. 

Speaking of drinks: Last night, Drake and Brent Hocking announced the launch of Mod Sélection’s newest libation, limited-edition Mod Sélection Blanc de Blancs Champagne – available exclusively on the website for $450/btl .

And move over Canada Dry, Sprite Ginger has arrived - complete with clothing line.

Gucci Osteria by world-famous restaurateur and chef Massimo Bottura and Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri (of Michelin-starred Osteria Bottura eatery in Firenze, Italy) debuts Monday in Beverly Hills.This is the first U.S. restaurant by the duo.

Feel the heat with Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam new hot sauce with Nando’s.

The KFC X Crocs Bucket Clog is on the way this spring, but only north of the border at press time.

England’s The Manhattan Bar and Grill has a steak for the ladies.

ICYMI

Just in time for Valentine’s Day: Get to know Mariane Arruda de Oliveira of Mary's Brigadeiro Handcrafted Chocolate in this month’s At The Pass.

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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 get the word out about your business or service to an exclusively food-hungry audience? Shoot me an email -> writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.

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