OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News February 9-15, 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
🕒 10.5 min read
This week’s 20 arrivals are all over the map - geographically and grub wise - which is just what the middle of February calls for.
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Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Modern Indian fast casual fare by way of burroti rolls and bowls is the name of the game at Avani Rolls and Bowls. Find the latest outpost in Oakville (133 Lakeshore Rd. E.). Fun fact: They’re next door to Flüf Soufflé Cheesecake which arrived in December.
Black Owned Toronto’s new digs at Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) launch Friday February 10 at 11am, next to Simons, Entrance 8. Shop everything from skincare to candles. Food lovers will want to stock up on the spices, seasonings sauces, snacks, sea moss, teas and coffees on offer. This marks the second store featuring products created by local business owners in the GTA and across Canada: The first debuted inside Scarborough Town Centre the Summer of ‘21.
Speaking of ‘Sauga, Bloomer’s from scratch vegan doughnuts are now within reach. The Derry & Dixie location (1510 Drew Rd., Unit 10-11) kicks off February 14.
After landing in Midtown in late October, Burrito Boyz continues northward - specifically Victoria Park and Sheppard (2550 Victoria Park Ave., Unit 2) in North York.
Capulus Coffee House (881 St Clair Ave. W.) softly opens in Hillcrest Village February 8 in the space recently vacated by Munay Salteñas Bolivian Empandas.
Romance is in the air on Roncy. Chef Dave Brace is cooking up modern fare starting Valentine’s Day at his new venture, CKB Restaurant (391 Roncesvalles Ave.). Did you know? The space was formerly home to Cider House and Shala-mar Restaurant.
Dig into Indian delicacies of Methi Chaman, Egg Tadka, Shrimp Curry, Tawa Mahi Zaffran, Coastal Chicken Curry, and Palak Paneer at Deccan Gusto in Woodbridge (9600 Islington Ave., Unit E2E).
In addition to skewered meat, discover dumplings, fusion flatbreads, pizza, pasta, poutine and much more at Afghan eatery Diamond Kabab (398 College St.).
After Döner & Gyros touched down in Scarborough last summer, west enders can get in on the Berlin döner and gyro action thanks to a new outpost in Mississauga (3910 Eglinton Ave. W.).
Zullo Health & Fitness in Vaughan officially launches their latest concept Gourmet Sports Bar & Grill on the second floor (130 Racco Pkwy) Sunday, just in time for Super Bowl LVII. What to expect: Gourmet food with pub faves.
2021 and 2022 were pretty hectic for Hi Yogurt, however the housemade yogurt shop shows no signs of slowing down in 2023: Soft opening for an outpost in Chinatown (222 Spadina Ave., Unit 145C) takes place February 14.
I let you in on Isaan Der’s latest plans back in December. Psst. Doors have softly opened in Richmond Hill (9021 Leslie St., Unit 7). Expect a bigger space (seating for close to 100) and more menu offerings available at this location.
Kamen Ramen brings their “next generation of Asian crossover ramen” of the spicy variety to Woodbridge (3737 Major MacKenzie Dr. W., Unit 108). For those who aren’t fans of fiery fare, don’t fret - hot dishes make an appearance but don’t dominate the menu. For those wanting to turn up the heat, choose your spice level (0.5-3) and take part in the spicy ramen challenge with ‘Volcano’ selections.
Nutbar’s fourth superfood café arrives downtown at Adelaide and Brant (425 Adelaide St. W.).
Pandoughra’s Box pop-up at Stackt Market came to a close in earlier this winter, but their freshly baked cookies, cupcakes, cookie dough bites and other goodies found a new home in Mount Pleasant Village (711 Mt. Pleasant Rd.).
Speaking of desserts, husband-and-wife team Maliha Rahman and Fahmid Islam’s Pastel Bakes Inc. softly debuts on Dundas west of Bathurst (856 Dundas St. W.) on February 12 with an array of sweet treats such as cookies, cupcakes and Ultimate CakeJars. Psst. Use promo code SL15 to get an exclusive discount February 12-26 2023.
From pho and rice platters to chef’s specials of pad thai and fried rice, Phở Hà Nội (374 College St.) offers a wide selection of Vietnamese fare near College and Bathurst.
Indo-Canadian fast food chain Sector 17 Street Eatery‘s first downtown location lands at Dundas and Sherbourne (268 Dundas St. E.) with Desi dishes. Think noodle-boosted burgers, chili momos, masala fries and more. Bonus: Enjoy a 50 per cent off at this location until February 14.
Slayer Burger touches down in Midtown just north of Davisville (2013 Yonge St.) with hard rock vibes and smash burgers dreamed up by chef Lilian Cardoso. Doors opened yesterday.
Markham’s Vege Delight debuts a second location, this time downtown at Dundas and Chestnut (173 Dundas St. W.) armed with veggie-packed Thai dishes alongside traditional Sichuan fare.
CLOSED
While the retail portion of AG Macarons (709 The Queensway) comes to a close on Valentine’s Day, wholesale operations continue.
Yesterday I broke news of Ascari King West’s sudden closure this weekend. Ascari Hospitality Group (Ascari Enoteca, Gare De L’est Brasserie, Mercatino E Vini) announced the addition of a west-end outpost of its OG east end haunt Ascari Enoteca December 2018. The expansive space debuted at King and Portland Summer ‘19. Despite the buzzy location, owners said, “The unfortunate reality is we just could not bounce back from the last mandated closure last December (21) January and part of February of last year.” Final service is February 11. TR Intel: This isn’t the only big closure in the area. Next door neighbour LOV, the plant-based eatery from Montreal arrived in the 6ix shortly after in Fall '19. Doors closed at the end of November 2022.
Tibet Kitchen (1544 Queen St. W.) has been a part of Parkdale and the Little Tibet community for 11 years, but is changing locations. Luckily you won’t have to travel far for their Tibetan and Himalayan cuisine after closure March 6: They’re moving up the street to their forever home (they bought the building) at Queen and Euclid (757 Queen St. W.) formerly Wong's Flower & Fruits Market. Stay tuned for an opening date.
EVENTS
Today is your last chance for prix fixe dining event, Winterlicious.
La Poutine Week Toronto is on until February 14.
Taste of Oakville launches Wednesday.
NEWS
On Tuesday the City announced Toronto City Council approved and amended proposed changes to the CafeTO program.
Online reviews aren’t always what they seem. The top restaurant in Montreal on Tripadvisor? Turned out to be fake.
Pamela Anderson was in Toronto this week. It turns out the B.C. native is getting back to her Canuck roots with two new cooking shows on Food Network Canada: Pamela's Garden of Eden and Pamela's Cooking With Love (working title).
Are food recalls continuing to taper off? This week: Sherbon Falooda Drink – Mango recalled due to undeclared milk. [UPDATE: 02.11.23 MacMillan's Specialty Foods McCain 3/8" Staycrisp Straight Cut Fries recalled due to undeclared gluten and wheat. 02.12.23 Le Fromage au Village le Cru du Clocher raw milk cheddar cheese recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.]
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