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🕘 6 min read

This week’s edition - aka travelogue - takes you on a journey across the GTA via Scarborough, Markham, Mississauga, North York, east side, west end, and downtown, and reveals not only numerous debuts and expansions, but comebacks under new ownership - aka keeping the legacies alive.

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Premium shisha lounge Al-Omda’s extensive menu ranges from manakish and shawarma plates to shakes and dessert. Dig in at their third Mississauga outpost (714 Lakeshore Rd. E.).

Are Japanese cream buns the answer? Probably. Get yours at the new Hattendo in Yorkdale Mall (3401 Dufferin St., Food Court), their seventh destination in the GTA.

The first Canadian Hanbigo has landed in Chinatown (397 Spadina Ave.) with fascinating fare: Bingsu topped with a snowman, The Beargato - affogato featuring ice cream in the shape of a sleeping bear, Bibim Bap Bingo, and Crispy Hash Brown Mozzarella Toast, for starters. p.s. It’s also the latest addition to TR’s Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats in Toronto/GTA.

Meet Hunter’s Hut (2574 Birchmount Rd.) - longstanding Scarborough eatery Hunter’s Family Restaurant under new ownership with a refreshed menu.

Hey Leaside, Peking duck, stir-fried fresh lobster, and dim sum have arrived courtesy of Jing Chinese Restaurant (1634 Bayview Ave.).

ISO post-work drinks downtown? In Good Spirits cocktail bar, founded by industry pro Oliver Stern (Toronto Temperance Society, Bar Begonia, Liberty Entertainment Group), boasts classic libations (Old Fashioned, Negroni) and virtual soujourns to faraway places (Mai Tai, Sangria Highball) alongside a focused menu of casual elevated eats by chef David Salt. Find it at CIBC Square’s new food hall TABLE Fare + Social (81 Bay St., 4th Fl.).

Chef specialties at Scarborough’s La Pho Vietnamese Restaurant (390 Silver Star Blvd., Unit 112) include an array of noodle soups (Spare Rib, Curry Beef Brisket, Tomato Stew Beef), Vietnamese Hot Pot, and Bangkok Pad Thai and Beef Fried Rice.

Grab-and-go makizushi (aka sushi rolls) is the focus of Maki Mart (3623 Highway 7, Suite 103) in Markham. Never-ending options include Baby Octopus, California, Fatty Toro, Hamachi, Mentaiko Scallop, Sea Eel, Salmon (Ikura, Jumbo, Spicy, Teriyaki), and Tuna Corn.

Misoya Ramen brings its signature miso-based ramen and other fare to TABLE Fare + Social (CIBC Square 81 Bay St., 4th Fl.).

After signing off for good at the end of last year, Old York Bar & Grill is back - this time as The Old York Tavern (167 Niagara St.) with new owners and menu items.

Specs n’ sips. Shopping for eyewear? Sip a Blueberry Smoothie or Vietnamese Frappuccino while you browse the collection at Opteaq Eyecare Cafe (256 Queen St. W.).

One of the biggest news stories of last year was The Real McCoy Burgers & Pizza moving on from its longtime digs in Scarborough (1033 Markham Rd.) due to incoming condos. After 53 years, final day was Christmas Eve, however George and wife Sophie Mihail planned to open elsewhere in city, then possibly in its original location after all. The home of the famous Mojo burger, pizza and other iconic fare since 1969 has returned with George, Sophie, and new investors, just a five minute drive from the OG spot. Grand opening for the The Real McCoy’s new destination at Lawrence and Bellamy (3300 Lawrence Ave. E.) took place Tuesday at noon.

Signature Fine Dining (214 King St. W.) debuts this week in the Entertainment District across from Roy Thompson Hall. What to expect? Halal Italian fare ranging from pizza ($20-$30) and pasta ($30-$35) to premium starters - Baked French Onion Soup ($25), Mushroom Neptune ($30) stuffed with crab meat and cream cheese - and entrees such as Signature Steaks ($50-$65).

The latest addition to the Junction, Thiên Tâm (2907 Dundas St. W.), offers Asian fusion vegetarian and vegan fare, with dishes spanning from Thai curries to Vietnamese crepes to ramen. Grand opening is Saturday.

Virtu Cafe (391 Bloor St. E., Street Level), Canopy by Hilton Toronto’s contemporary cafe, is in soft opening this week with grab-and-go selections for tourists and residents alike.

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Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

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