Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News August 6-12, 2020

🕒 6 min read

In addition to the onslaught of arrivals this week, I’m still catching up on the backlog of places that opened during the first weeks/months of the pandemic. It’s going to take a while to sift through all of this.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Annex Social Toronto (1078 Bathurst St.), a “neighbourhood social house,” has moved into the former Mayday Malone’s with Cal-Mex fare. Which is what exactly, you ask? Mexican Street Corn ($6), Lime Chimichurri Corn Salad ($16), and Cheese Crusted Burrito ($16-$18), alongside Cheese Smash Burgers ($10), Fried Chicken (sando $12, 2 pc $22), and Margherita Pizza ($14), for starters.

Sourdough devotees, head to Christie Pits’ latest arrival, micro-bakery/restaurant Ba Noi (806 Bloor St. W.), for all your bread and baked goods needs. That baguette lamp, tho. 

Bar Karma (512 Queen St. W.) between Bathurst and Spadina boasts two floors of patios: street level open now, with the second floor opening tomorrow. Inside, the main floor bar is ready and waiting for you. 

Cafe Landwer’s forth outpost landed in North York (5000 Yonge St.). 

Chuan Noodle (487 Bloor St. W.) took over HuaJia Rice Noodle’s old spot in the Annex.

Plant-based chain Copper Branch added to its lengthy roster with an eatery in Oakville (217 Hays Blvd.). 

The menu at JC’s Grill House newest satellite in Scarborough (1686 Ellesmere Rd.) offers a little bit of everything: French Onion Soup ($7), Fish & Chips ($18), Fried Rice ($14), Liver & Onions ($16), NY Steak (12oz, $40). But it’s the Sri Lankan specialties that pop: Weekend Banana Leaf lunch specials including Jaffna Crab, Mutton and Fish Curries ($12 ea.); and Hoppers ($12) available Fridays 5pm-8pm.

Mark's Pizzas (371 Kingston Rd., Unit A). Two words: Hidden gem.

The Convenience patio (1184 Queen St. W.) has transformed into pop-up resto Miss Likklemores (1184 Queen St. W.), complete with spicy wings and breadfruit, curry chana, jerk chicken, macaroni pie, and signature cocktails.

Moto Via, known for its pizzas and pastas, set up shop in North York (1775 Avenue Rd.).

Coffee or beer? No need to choose anymore. Danforth stalwart The Only Café (966 Danforth Ave.) added an Espresso Bar (962 Danforth Ave.) right next door.

Pisac Peruvian Bistro (16 Dupont St.) is perfect for hot-weather piscos and ceviche, but offers bigger, heartier fare (braised duck leg, whole Sea Bream) too.

Hot tip: Roji Monster Ice Cream (30 South Unionville Ave., Unit 1) debuts tomorrow in Markham.

Fruit pie is fine, but Sharman's Proper Pies (1972 Danforth Ave.) specializes in the savoury variety like Balti, Tourtiere, Steak, Chicken Pot, etc.

Hey Siri… Siri Kitchen (808 College St.), across from Bar Isabel, launched with a focused menu of finger foods, soups, and mains including Drunken Spaghetti ($12-99-$15.99), Pad Ka Pow ($12-99-$15.99) and Nam Prik Ong ($12-99-$15.99). To celebrate their grand opening, enjoy 25 per cent off when picking up your order until August 31.

ISO small-batch craft popsicles? Soul Provisions (571 Vaughan Rd.) in Oakwood Village has got you.

The grand opening of Stuffies Pastries at Square One (100 City Center Dr.) is happening Saturday. No doubt there will be lineups for  their “Stuffies,” “Crotai,” and Taiyaki soft serve. Stay tuned: Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.) is next.

Taco Beach debuted yesterday at The Last Resort (146 Ossington Ave.) patio and bottle shop.

Famed Taro's Fish debuted their second store in Markham (735 Markland St.) in June.

Vegan cheese shop Wandering Deli (1598 King St. W.) calls Parkdale home now.

CLOSED

Friday was the last day for Burgatory (719 College St.).

Butter Chicken Roti has one less location (398 College St.).

Chatime Innovation Bar (626 Yonge St.) is on the move as of Monday. Stay tuned.

East Chinatown just lost Elvy and Flo (713 Gerrard St. E.). 

Hollandaise Diner (2231 Danforth Ave.) is sticking it out, but only until October.

Mayday (Mayday) Malone’s Pub & Ristorante (1078 Bathurst St.) has already been replaced. See above. 

The only Canadian outpost of Taiyaki NYC (128 Dundas St. W.) shuttered Friday.

The White Brick Kitchen (641 Bloor St. W.) called it after eight years.

NEWS

Attention restaurant, bar and café owners: Applications for the CaféTO patio program are being accepted until Tuesday at noon. 

Contact tracing in restaurants is problematic.

Dining out in Stage 3 includes a few new protocols. Find out what to expect on your next outing.

Meet Ivan H. Kuuts, CDC of Sugo and Conzo’s, in this week’s At The Pass.

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