OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News August 11-17, 2022

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. #ifyouknowyouknow

🕘 11 min read

Feeling restless? I’ve uncovered an enticing mix of new concepts alongside old favourites, higher end fare in tandem with cheap and cheerful options, allowing for every mood, craving and budget.

And stay tuned – more news ahead in The Tip Off, exclusively available in the TR Newsletter.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Bellwoods Brewpub (120 Ossington Ave.) is bigger and better than ever. Bellwoods Brewery’s latest iteration boasts a new bar and lots more room to stretch out, then settle into award-winning brews on tap and fare including Duck Hearts ($3), Falafel Lettuce Wraps ($16), Ricotta Cavatelli ($24),Half Smoked Chicken ($26), and Charcoal Grilled Flatiron Steak Frites ($36).

Attention boba warriors: Chatime at Wilson and Keele (1010 Wilson Ave., Unit B) just softly opened.

Chicken N’ Dough, a chain known for its wings, burgers and poutine, has been making its way across the GTA for some time. Their Chicken N’ Dough Express at College and Bathurst (410 Bathurst St.), however, is a Toronto first. Doors opened Monday.

Danny’s Pizza Tavern (611 College St.) is all about “midwestern style tavern pie.” Think squares with a solid char around the edges and thin crust. In addition to tavern classics (burger, shrimp scampi), behold their signature vinegar chicken and extensive wine program, all smack dab in the middle of Little Italy. Doors open tomorrow.

Gelato on the Danny & Espresso Bar (1772 Danforth Ave.) debuted in between Coxwell and Woodbine May 20. In addition to the array of captivating flavours - Biscoff, Torrone Siciliano, Cinnamon Maple Almond Crunch, Aperol Spritz – find vegan and yogurt selections. Pro tip: For the ultimate indulgence, order brioche con gelato - A freshly baked bun stuffed with the frozen treat.

Bubble tea brand Gong Cha continues its expansion across the city, this time to CF Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall) in Mississauga.

Hillcrest Village’s The GYM Pub (782 St. Clair Ave. W.) is back with new owners. There’s other good stuff too: patio, two happy hours, industry nights, cheeseburger wontons, and Tim Tam Cheesecake, for example.

From books to bakery. Le Conciliabule Lab softly opens in Cabbagetown (350 Berkeley St.) tomorrow in the space formerly home to The Children’s Book Bank (their new storefront is slated to launch August 20 at 561 Sherbourne St., Level P3). Behind the pink door? Discover a catchall destination: coffee shop, bakery, wine store, pantry and restaurant all under one roof. In accordance with the launch, Manon Tournayre Roche and chef Charles Boggio’s original neo bistro Le Conciliabule in Gerrard India Bazaar (1300 Gerrard St. E.) is now Conci.

Bodega became quite the buzzword (and lifesaver for many) during the pandemic. Logan Avenue Bodega & Cantina (28 Logan Ave.) is on a mission to bring the real NYC bodega experience to the 6ix with a roster including Bacon Egg & Cheese, empanadas, burritos, Philly cheese steaks, fried chicken, and chopped cheese.

M Chá Bar has locations throughout the GTA, but you’ll have to look a little harder for their latest outfit. Find the brand’s bubble tea, coffee and desserts inside Mississauga’s Oceans Supermarket (4557 Hurontario St.).

Chef Sameer Chopra is cooking up regional cuisine at Raahi Modern Indian Kitchen & Bar at Queen and Bathurst (543 St Clair Ave. W.).

Brazilian eatery Sabor Carioca (1702 St. Clair Ave. W.) is serving up a range of delicacies including Frango À Passarinho (Brazilian-style fried chicken), Camarão Com Alho E Oleo (Shrimp with garlic and oil) and Picanha Com Arroz, Feijão, Vinagrete, Farofa e 1 Opção de Acompanhamento (Grilled cap of rump steak served with rice, beans, Brazilian-style tomato slaw, toasted manioc flour, and one side).

Food-lovers know strip malls are home to some of the city’s best restaurants. Helmed by Chef Kazuki, Shizuku in Scarborough (2950 Kennedy Rd.) is looking to continue that tradition in the space formerly occupied by Sushi Nishinokaze. What to expect: Innovative dishes and traditional Edomae-style aging techniques for fish. On the service side, look for a blend of omotenashi - Japanese hospitality - and French fine dining in an intimate setting of eight seats.

Slivered in between establishments at Queen and Broadview, ice cream and cereal await, thanks to Twisted Cone (717 Queen St. E.). Choose from cereal studded and syrup drizzled soft serve, scoops of Kawartha Dairy, and shakes.

Roasted goose is just one of the specialties of Won Kee BBQ & Bar at Yonge and Finch (5 Northtown Way, Unit 5-6).

The offerings at Scarborough’s Yabu Shabu (385 Silver Star Blvd., Unit 6) range from from cheesy (Cheesy Kimchi Shabu) to creamy (Hot Ramen Carbonara) to fiery (Japanese Mapo Tofu on Rice).

CLOSED

After nearly two decades, the owners of Butcher By Nature (515 Annette St.) shuttered their Junction operation on Saturday. The Charcuterie by Nature division of the biz focusing on premium grazing boxes, will carry on.

Cider House (391 Roncesvalles Ave.) boasted 50+ craft ciders, new menu items on the regular, and popular trivia and comedy nights.

Patrons of Danforth East Soccer Café (1772 Danforth Ave.) seeking their usual caffeine fix can breathe easy. Details above.

Parkdale fixture for a decade Glory Hole Doughnuts’ last day in the ‘hood (1596 Queen St. W.) was Friday. The new digs in Harbord Village (130 Harbord St.) should launch by the end of month.

Yesterday was the last day for Patty Stop Inc. The cause? “Uncontrollable supply issues and inflation caused by our not so friendly visitors (Covid),” according to the owners. In two-and-a-half years, there were three operations: 5506 Lawrence Ave. E., 2636 St Clair Ave. E., and Square One.

Regulars (660 King St. W.) may have closed, but it appears not for long.

After serving the community for 12 years, Sabor Brazil Restaurant has closed for good. For what’s replaced it, see above.

From day one - October 22, 2014 - South St. Burger Bar at King and Ontario (260 King St. E.) was all about burgers and brews. The building is set to become a “mixed-use development” by Fitzrovia Real Estate Inc.

Sweet Thrills (399 Roncesvalles Ave.), a part of the Roncy/High Park neighbourhood since 1998, shuttered due to a sudden increase in rent by the landlord, according to the owners. They hope to “be back soon.”

EVENTS

It’s not that long ago that we were stuck indoors and not able to gather with friends and family. Fast forward to Summer ’22: the first in two years with everything back in full effect including indoor dining, patios, and in-person events, and the city’s celebrating BIG TIME. The month’s just getting started and already the TR August Fests + Events Calendar has blown up to 40 parades, parties, picnics, fairs, markets and dining experiences happening across the GTA. New additions include: A boho picnic, celebrity chefs cooking up a storm on a historic street, an Indigenous food market, family-style dinners + community meals in unique outdoor settings, and dance-filled block parties. Check out the complete lineup now. p.s. More events to be added this weekend, so be sure to check back.

NEWS

A brief evacuation occurred at Vaughan’s Promenade Mall due to a fire at Jollibee. No injuries were reported.

Footage of a break-in at Capra's Kitchen by Massimo Capra was shared on their social media earlier this week in hopes of catching the culprits, who took money and mementos including items from eldest son Andrew’s memorial service four years ago.

Glad Day Bookshop posted about recent spiked drink incidents earlier this week, prompting an important reminder not to leave drinks unattended.

Still reeling from last week’s recalls? The onslaught continues with Adonis brand All Dressed Mini Pizzas and Hot Dog Rolls, Amy's brand Vietnamese Banh Mi Wrap, Circle K brand Classic Potato Chips, and Crescent brand Pastrami and Turkey Breast.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about +100 new arrivals in July alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

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