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.

🕘 12 min read

Masks are coming off, days are getting longer, and the comings and goings happening right now is out of control. This week’s 24 arrivals are just the tip of the iceberg.

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

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Chefs/owners Gerry Quintero and Mandy Sou are celebrating the soft opening of Alma + Gil’s new store today (1543 Dupont St.). Find breakfast sandos, power bowl, juices to go and pantry items Thursday-Friday 12-3pm for now.

The owner behind last month’s new Bar 244 (244 Adelaide St W.) also purchased Pravda Vodka Bar  (44 Wellington Ave. E.) approximately a year-and-a-half ago, with the intention to revamp the brand, but COVID lockdowns delayed everything. Say hello to Brash & Sassy Vodka Bar. Launch parties are happening this weekend. 

The Cat On Q’s grand opening took place Saturday. The new live music and event venue complete with all-day kitchen is sister eatery to The Cat Pub & Eatery (3513 Dundas St. W.) in The Junction and replaced 817 Sports Bar & Grill (817 Queen St. W.) that shuttered last winter.

Donut Hive has finally arrived in Mississauga (724 Lakeshore Rd. E.). Tuck into everything from Strawberry Basil filled to dipped confections that look like Spider-Man.

It seems the pandemic hasn’t slowed Gladiator Burger & Steak one bit. Check out their latest arrival at Kennedy and Ellesmere (1961 Kennedy Rd.) in Scarborough.

The menu at Happy Fishman Chinese Seafood Cuisine (3636 Steeles Ave. E., Unit 151-153) in Markham is extensive. How extensive, you ask? There are 40 “Chef’s Recommendation” dishes alone. 

Following a recent arrival just a few weeks ago, Holy Shakes and T.O.’s Kathi Roll Eatery (3035 Argentia Rd.,Unit 6) landed in Mississauga.

Holy Wiches (6039 Erin Mills Pkwy, Unit 1B) in Mississauga has got you covered for sandwiches, wraps and bowls. 

New burger joint Hong Bo Burger & Poutine in First Markham Place Food Court (3255 Highway 7 E., Unit 251), specializes in Asian-style varieties (Kimchi, Teriyaki, Crispy Shrimp). And while you can order it with a regular bun, the beet (pink) or charcoal (black) variety will definitely catch likes on your feed. Also available: selection of spaghetti, salad, poutine, sides and drinks.

Condo dwellers and workers in the King and Portland area have a few more healthy options thanks to Liberty Shawarma (565 King St. W.).

La Piscina (1615 Dundas St. W.) has been going by its new name and look since February 9. Known as Safehouse Coffee since 2016, the café, grocery and lounge has great local goods for the pantry – Mattachioni frozen pizza, Ontario Honey Creations Hot Honey, Huber Farms Turkey Sausage Patties, Propeller Coffee – but don’t sleep on the evening cozy bar vibes, accompanied by occasional paint nights.

New Pie Co.’s new digs at King and Niagara across from Stanley Park (852 King St. W.) launch Sunday. Enjoy $5 slices, a new pie flavour (Chai Mango!), new products, and much more. Read about founder Shiela Labao  in this week’s At The Pass.

Haligonians take their donair seriously. Oliver’s Pizza & Donair (400 Dundas St. E.) in Mississauga is receiving rave reviews on Google for the east coast wraps and pizza. 

Bubble tea lovers, get ready. The grand opening for Palgong Tea at Metro Square (3636 Steeles Ave. E., Unit 125) kicks off Saturday at noon. Pro tip: Get there early. The first 100 customers receive a free milk tea. The rest can enjoy a BOGO offer - Buy any drink, get a free original or taro milk tea with one topping until March 18. 

Grace ran her convenience store River Variety (117 River St.) in Regent Park for 20 years before having to move due to condo development. Luckily, her new home isn’t far away. She transformed a massage parlour at Broadview and Dundas (269 Broadview Ave.) into a welcoming space complete with high ceilings and artful touches without. Shop home essentials, fun treats (Uncle Ray’s!), flowers, lottery tickets, and other items.

Find Persian specialties such as Kashk-e-Bademjan, Aash Reshteh, Baghali Polo & Mahiche,  and Gheimeh Stew at Shamshiri Restaurant (280 Sheppard Ave. E.) at Bayview and Sheppard in North York.  

Barbecue season has officially arrived, thanks to Smokehouse & Co. (910 Rowntree Dairy Rd., Unit 23) in Vaughan. Traditional southern fare includes chicken, sausage, ribs, wings, pulled pork, and brisket, with a variety of accompaniments.

“Urban inspired” North American eatery State & Main Kitchen & Bar has 15 locations across the province. Their first ghost kitchen just landed in Toronto (212 King St. W.).

Sub Division (461 King St. W., Lower Level) is changing the game. A bar without phones or bottle service – are you in?

2021 was a banner year for Sweetie Pie. 2022 is also looking pretty great. Find the very latest dessert destination in Leaside (1639 Bayview Ave., entrance on Fleming). Doors opened yesterday.

Taiwanese tea chain TP Tea has kept busy during the pandemic. Find the latest at Yonge and Wellesley (10 Wellesley St. E., Unit 105B).

It’s raining mini doughnuts at 6ix Donutz’s first location near York University (45 Four Winds Dr.).

99 Bottles Craft Alcohol & Bodega (925 Kingston Rd.) debuted earlier this week. Pick up everything from craft brews and takeout to  plants and wine. So, pretty much all the essentials you need for the weekend.

CLOSED         

Ginger Restaurant (355 Yonge St.), a fixture at Yonge and Dundas for years, is papered up. The eatery known for “Viet famous food” has three other locations: Yonge & Bloor (695 Yonge St.), Queen & University (212 Queen St. W.), and North York (2590 Weston Rd.).

This is the final weekend to get in on Jack and Lil's (684 St Clair Ave. W., entrance via rear laneway). The South African commissary by mother-and-son duo Lauren and Dan Gütter launched six-and-a-half years ago.

Mi'hito Sushi Laboratory (4 Edward St.) shuttered as of February 15. Locations in Toronto (55 Avenue Rd. and 285 College St.) and Mississauga (90 Courtneypark Dr.) remain open.

Sunday’s the last day for Mi Taco Taqueria’s Queen and University location (247 Queen St. W.). 

Oakville’s The Wine Bar (100 Bronte Rd., Unit 9) may be closed, but it’s not forever. Stay tuned.

CHANGES

The Compass Foodbank provides food and support for people in South Mississauga who are affected by low income. (Everyone is welcome.) Find them in their new home in Port Credit (427 Lakeshore Rd. E.) Doors opened Monday. They are currently accepting donations.

EVENTS

Get in on the fun at MapleLicious – enjoy maple-themed promotions from Cabbagetown businesses, with a finale celebration on Sunday, April 3.

NEWS

The news of celebrated winemaker Paul Pender’s death last month rocked the industry. According to the CBC, a Hamilton man has been charged with second-degree murder.

Hugh's Room Live has finally found a new home. A fixture in the west end for years, is moving east. The new digs: A heritage church building (296 Broadview Ave.) just south of East Chinatown and north of The Broadview Hotel. The building designed by renowned Toronto architect Edward James Lennox (a few examples of his work: Old City Hall, Casa Loma) is just the first step. Funding is next.

Psst. Chef Patrick Kriss of award-winning Alo Restaurant, Aloette, Alobar Yorkville, and Salon is helming signature restaurant Alder at Ace Hotel Toronto (51 Camden St.) set to open this summer. The acclaimed chef will be at the new wood-fired restaurant "often," while "a chef team who will be running the day-to-day kitchen operations," Khuong Phan, in charge of F+B/PR for the hotel, confirmed via email. p.s. If you were a TR Newsletter subscriber, you would have received the two items above ahead of the crowd. Stop missing out and subscribe already.

Do you have what it takes to be on Top Chef Canada? Apply now.

ICYMI 

One of the most exciting launches of 2021? Little Sister Baking at Market 707. The micro Desi bakery by talented siblings Le Cordon Bleu alum Akash and marketing pro Tanvi, is THE place to be. (Hot tip: New menu juuust dropped. Get in on Black Pepper Chicken Puff, Rasam Galette, Narangi Shahi Tukda, Haldi Doodh and more!) Discover this dynamic duo’s favourite bars + restos around town, guilty pleasures, hidden talents and much more in this week’s fascinating At The Pass.

As of Monday last week, proof of vaccination is no longer required at restaurants. Some owners however, have chosen to keep the policy in place, while others have already changed their mind. Get the update.

Are you ready to hang up your mask?

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

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