OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News April 13-19, 2023
My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk
🕘 13.5 min read
This week’s 37 establishments - 20 arrivals, 17 closures - are a glimpse into the frenzied activity you can expect in the coming weeks and months. Luckily, there’s great grub to get us through the turmoil.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
The Coop Wicked Chicken wants you to “stuff your beak” at their new chicken joint in Mississauga (Sussex Centre, 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.). The Ontario chain distinguishes itself from other poultry-centric outfits with its “punk-rock meets rustic henhouse” vibe and menu items that go beyond basic bird - deep-fried deviled eggs, blackened chicken salads, “coop’d up” nachos, dirty bird tacos, and boozy brunches - with crowd-pleasing southern fried, picante, and waffle based selections at the ready.
I let you in on Dav’s Hotspot plans to expand back in 2021. Status update: Grand opening for Dav’s Express halal virtual kitchen in Etobicoke (20 Lockport Ave.) took place yesterday. Did you know? The new addition is a short drive from Davielle Rose’s OG spot for comfort food with an island twist in Mississauga (1365 Mid-Way Blvd., Unit 22).
Summer eats by way of homemade ice cream, soft baked cookies, and ice cream sandos have landed in Parkdale, courtesy of Disco at Queen and Dovercourt (1086 Queen St. W., Unit 1/2). Birthday Cake ice cream and Snickerdoodles - who’s in?
Gong Cha continues its rapid growth across the GTA with two more bbt shops: Mississauga (1525 Bristol Rd. W.) and Midtown at Yonge and Davisville (2027 Yonge St.). Enjoy BOGO specials during grand opening celebrations April 14-19.
Hi Yogurt adds to its fleet of farm-style cold brew yogurt stores with the latest perched in Midtown at Yonge & Eglinton (2350 Yonge St.) and Scarborough at Midland & Finch (3262 Midland Ave, Unit E108). The latter – the eighth location in less than two years – softly opened Monday with a BOGO offer on until April 16.
Il Gelato Di Carlotta kicks off today in Oakville (312 Lakeshore Rd. E.). Here, the frozen treat takes many forms including cakes, sandwiches, and on a stick. For cold weather warmups, look to items such as coffee, panini, and pasta.
Sink your teeth into croissant bungeoppang, Korean fried chicken korokke, and dalgona bingsu, while sipping on injeolmi lattes at Kray’s new Yonge & Sheppard digs (4850 Yonge St., Level 2).
Established in 1932, the Lakeview Restaurant (1132 Dundas St. W.) reopens today after a short closure as The Lakeview Diner under new ownership with Jewish deli fare. The interior remains largely unchanged. Stay tuned for a closer look.
The newest addition to Mount Pleasant Village, L'amour Cafe & Pastry (927 Mount Pleasant Rd.) commenced April 1 with an array of danishes, croissants, and cruffins in addition to savoury selections.
Pig-headed boba and poke bowls are the focus of east side’s Leni Poki (1027 Gerrard St. E.). Even desserts are porcine centric: kawaii custard buns, fro yo formed in the shape of sleeping swine available in a rainbow of hues. The Asian eatery claims to be “the first pig themed cafe in Canada.”
Grand opening celebrations for Ma Maison’s third boulangerie and patisserie are underway at at College and Bathurst (74 Lippincott St.). Look familiar? The space was home to brunch hotspot Aunties & Uncles for over two decades until doors shuttered in 2021.
The first Maharaja Bhog in Canada put down roots in Mississauga (6020 Hurontario St.). On the menu: Authentic Rajasthani and Gujarati fare.
Mississauga’s butcher and prepared food market Meaty Eats broadens its horizons with a second outpost in Bloor West Village (2288 Bloor St. W.).
Calling all chocolate lovers: Patchi’s first Canadian storefront has arrived. The modern luxe chocolate brand founded by Nizar Choucair in 1974 in Beirut, Lebanon has locations across the globe including the Middle East, U.K. U.S., and now at CF Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall) in Etobicoke. Find them at Entrance 7, near Sephora. Fun fact: The brand once collabed with U.K. luxe department store Harrods to sell a box of chocolates emblazoned with Swarovski crystals. Price tag: $10K.
After launching and shuttering Toronto outposts during the pandemic, Punjabi by Nature flourishes in the GTA with the latest touching down in Oakville (261 Oak Walk Dr.). The signature extensive menu boasts fan favourites Bharwa Rehri Wala Kulcha, Paneer Lababdar, and Butter Chicken.
Speaking of Oakville, Sabreen's Food (2530 Sixth Line, Unit 6) is serving up an array of Pakistani fare - Veal Qorma, Aloo Qeema, Bihari Keba, Chicken Biryani, Bindhi, Paratha Roll, Sesame Naan, Kheer – with select items available for breakfast to go. And due to the popularity of the previous occupant’s dishes, Portuguese BBQ Peri Peri Chicken and Roasted Potatoes.
Tiny dessert balls - aka doughnut holes – are reason enough to head to the new Superballs Cafe (252 Queen St. W.) but it’s the cute car container they come in that puts them over the top. Fun fact: SC shares the same addy and is just a couple doors down from sister co. Members Only Waffle House, home of penis-shaped confections, who shared: “We wanted to bring the vintage retro vibe back to Queen Street West as it is one of the main focus of rebuilding the community, and bringing back the nostalgic childhood memories back to every guests who walks in.”
Wildly popular high quality seafood and sushi shop Taro’s Fish debuted a third location yesterday (7240 Woodbine Ave.) - the second in Markham. The business began back in 1996 with the first store located in North York.
CLOSED
Quickly following the closure of Beach Hill Smokehouse’s Danforth location, another new and notable east end barbecue joint has ended service. Trevor David launched The Art of BBQ – Smokehouse (2478 Kingston Rd.) in Scarborough Summer 2020. TR Insider tip: Slated to take over the space? Filipino resto Perlas De Pilipinas.
Atai Bistro came on the west end scene Spring ‘21, following up with an outpost in Summerhill early last year. Last day is April 15 due to staffing challenges, though the shutdown is expected to be temporary.
Avoca Chocolates’ third confectionery premiered on the Ossington Strip (148 Ossington Ave.) Winter ’21. The sizeable store was open for business last weekend for Easter but by a few days later, a letter notified patrons of the closure due to rent arrears. Two locations boasting handcrafted Fair Trade chocolates, gelato and ice cream remain: Danforth (176 Hampton Ave.) and Leaside (850 Millwood Rd.)
Another heartbreaking Fahmee Bakery closure. After flames engulfed Fahmee Bakery’s Montezuma Trail location last spring, owner Faiz Abdella has been on a mission to continue his beloved business no matter how difficult the road ahead. After recently helping launch other businesses, the outpost at Dundas and Landsdowne (222 Landsdowne Ave., Unit B) has come to an end after a three-and-a-half year run.
Gate 8 (73 Roncesvalles Ave.) came and went.
You’ll have to look elsewhere for Italian fare from the heart of San Giorgio Morgeto, Reggio Calabria now that Mare Pizzeria in Kensington Market (185 Baldwin St.) has shuttered.
New Lanzhou Noodle Restaurant (43 Baldwin St.) launched August 2020. For the unique concept that moved in, see last week’s arrivals.
It’s too late to get in one more dance at Parlour (270 Adelaide Ave. W.) - the last hurrah was January 27.
Oakville’s Portuguese Rotisserie and Grill (2530 Sixth Line, Unit 6) may be gone but peri peri chicken is still on offer via the new occupants.
After the end of hotspots Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! and Bar Coneja earlier this year, the Fashion District addy is undergoing further transformation. Liberty Entertainment Group - the upscale conglomerate that counts Casa Loma, BlueBlood Steakhouse, and Michelin-anointed Don Alfonso 1890 amongst its growing portfolio - just shuttered two venues: Resto Xango that once called MasterChef Canada judge chef Claudio Aprile culinary director, and poppin' bottles lounge Arcane. Hot tip: Moving into RRR’s old spot - Silent H, a "Mexican street cuisine restaurant elevated to a gourmet level." Spread across several floors, the space boasts a main room for up to 150 seated guests, two patios, and a tequila bar. Doors are slated to open early May. Psst. If you subscribed to the TR Newsletter, you’d already be in the know.
Korean fusion eatery Té on the Ossington strip (70 Ossington Ave.) is temporarily closed due to a chef work injury, as per a letter posted on the door. It reads in part: “We are a mom & daughter duo in the kitchen and our priority is always to our guests. Your support means everything to us. We will back as soon as mom is physically able.”
Time’s up for Time Sugar in Chinatown (397 Spadina Ave.). For what’s taken over, see last week’s arrivals.
Grenville St. has undergone numerous changes recently. Modern Asian tapas by way of 2021’s Tomyum Restaurant and Wine Bar (21 Grenville St.), for starters. The address was also home to Hana Sushi & Café, the “first monorail sushi in Canada.” For the newest addition to the strip, see last week’s lineup.
Despite the wild popularity of croissants right now, Yum Croissant (1917 Queen St. E.) in The Beaches has closed up shop. Moving in: Nana’s Creperie with “the sweetest crepes in town,” waffles, milkshakes and desserts.
NEWS
Legendary food writer and restaurant critic Mimi Sheraton died. She was 97.
Yorkville’s The Hazelton Hotel and ONE Restaurant are under new ownership.
Piano Piano scooped up competitor General Assembly’s frozen pizza line.
Not able to keep up with the increasing demand for food, Toronto food banks are calling on the government to help.
It’s no surprise fewer businesses applied for this year’s CaféTO program. Even after a few amendments were made to the initial proposed changes, raised fees and regulations remain prohibitive for many.
After last week’s roundup, this week’s recalls are of particular note for chocoholics: Liesse Chocolatier Vegan Chocolate Bunnies recalled due to undeclared milk, Nelson’s Chocofellar Dark Chocolate products recalled due to undeclared milk
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