OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News March 30-April 5, 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
🕘 9.5 min read
With this week’s addition of 15 arrivals, I uncovered 100 new establishments and a record number of closures in March alone. This is simultaneously shocking and the norm these days - My research thus far reveals April is going to be just as rocky.
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Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
For tandoori dishes, biryanis, and other fragrant fare infused with in-house Indian and Pakistani seasonings and spice blends, head to Scarborough’s Ammis (1760 Lawrence Ave. E.) at Victoria Park and Lawrence.
BOCA (488 Cosburn Ave.) in East York is dedicated to all things brunch, hence the name - an acronym for Brunch on Cosburn Avenue. The wide-ranging menu features everything from Waffles Benny to burgers and poutine, with selections and activities for the kiddos.
World Food Market’s latest addition Burning Pizza (335 Yonge St.) arrives with signature ‘za boasting fluffy dough, creamy cheese, and fresh halal ingredients. Note: Google mistakenly lists BP’s address as on Eglinton Av. E. The Yonge and Dundas location is their sole location at this time.
ISO of HK cart noodles? It’s the specialty of Cart Noodle House in Richmond Hill (360 Hwy 7, Unit 5).
Debe’s Roti & Doubles at Jane & Finch (2881 Jane St.) is tha spot for Phulorie, Doubles, Alloo Pie, Bake and Saltfish, Boneless Curry Goat and other delicacies. Hot tip: In the Vaughan area? Head to the new location at Weston Rd. & Steeles (4000 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 10). Bonus: The second outpost of “The Original Taste of The Islands” halal destination boasts indoor seating, a patio, and liquor licence.
Mississauga’s GC Burger (3920 Eglinton Ave. W., Unit 28) is all about smash burgers, with hot dogs, chicken, fries and shakes also on offer.
Grand opening celebrations for Leaf Doner’s new digs in Kensington Market (180 Baldwin St.) took place March 17. Signature items include doners doused in hot sauce of varying degrees on the Scoville scale, or for a Canadian twist - local maple syrup.
Psst. The east end has a swish new haunt. Los Cantaritos (1030 Gerrard St. E.), a real looker, playing on the bones that was until recently Bar Habana*, debuted Saturday. While taking in the decor, sip cantaritos, margaritas and tequila and tuck into sopes, pambazos, and tacquitos. (*After launching Summer’ 22, BH is setting up shop across town.)
Head to Etobicoke’s Lume Kitchen and Lounge (72 Park Lawn Rd.) for all-day menus and brunch on weekends.
Bakeshop, pantry, kitchen, and event space Mess Hall recently made a short move down the street. Discover Butter & Spice Bakeshop (get to know owner Marchelle McKenzie in TR’s acclaimed chef series At The Pass), Lami by Mama Linda’s, and The Magpie Cakery by semi-finalist of The Great Canadian Baking Show Maggie Frith, all under one roof.
As I reported last week, the inaugural NBA Courtside Restaurant (15 Queens Quay E.) kicks off Monday.
There’s a new food truck in town and it’s not like the others - not even close. In an exclusive interview with TR, Melissa Z. shared how Quickie Pastry came to be: It all started when her mother sent a video of a phallic-shaped waffle in Paris. “We are from France,” Zabulon says. “I was inspired right away.” After earning a degree in human resources in Montreal, working as a flight attendant, and owning a PPE company, she swiftly changed course, starting QP in March 2021, ordering the distinctly-shaped waffle makers two months later, and working hard to find a “unique” recipe - In addition to its arresting appearance, “I want it to taste good.” Wheels started officially rolling in the 6ix last fall, staking the claim: “First food truck serving D-Cakes in Canada,” with plans to introduce more. For secret recipe, nether region waffles dripping with melted chocolate - aka D-Cakes and V-Cakes - and d-ice pops in summer - just look for the truck with the unmistakable shaped waffle on the side, parked outside of U of T (44 St George St.) or on the road.
Chef Sandeep’s cooking up traditional and contemporary Indian grub at Scarborough’s new Rowdys Indian and Hakka at Kingston Road and Lawrence (4352 Kingston Rd., Unit 9).
Pre-opening for Sang-Ji Fried Bao’s downtown location (3 Charles St. E.), took place last Saturday but closed for a few days for an “upgrade” before reopening again. Find them in the spot where Wish restaurant stood until recently.
Chef specialities at Chinatown’s Zao Bar and Grill (421 Dundas St. W.) include Spicy Blood Tofu, Stir Fried Chicken Gristle, and Bullfrog with Pickled Pepper.
CHANGES
Casa Sonora (1165 St. Clair Ave. W.) recently upped sticks - luckily just around the corner (1688 Dufferin St.).
CLOSED
The space that was Etobicoke’s Avenue Café & Bistro (72 Park Lawn Rd.) is home to something else now. See above for details.
After launching a GoFundMe campaign to keep doors open at the end of January to help combat the financial strain brought on by the pandemic, Minh La and Victor Su are permanently closing their Chino Locos (4 Greenwood Ave.). Last day is March 31. Did you know? The fusion restaurant was originally located at the corner of Broadview and Gerrard (368 Broadview Ave.).
Like Chino Locos, Green Earth Vegan Cuisine (804 Danforth Ave.) started out at Gerrard and Broadview (as Green Earth Vegetarian Cuisine back then at 385 Broadview Ave.) and moved to Danforth & Jones in 2018. The owners made the difficult decision to shutter for good as of March 27, “due to the financial impact of COVID-19,” as per a farewell message they shared online.
Someone’s moved into where Long Time No See BBQ (421 Dundas St. W.) in Chinatown used to be. Details above.
Our Spot (180 Baldwin St.) was a mainstay in Kensington Market for nearly a decade before doors closed in September. Luckily the popular breakfast spot merely outgrew the space. Find them on the Danforth just east of Coxwell (1779 Danforth Ave.) with all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and dinner available Thursdays to Saturdays.
Paul’s Spaghetti House (488 Cosburn Ave.) in East York was a neighbourhood staple since its launch in 1996.
Piano Piano Pizzeria is saying arrivederci to its food hall days downtown. This marks the last week to pull up to the pizza counter for slices, whole pies and salads at Chefs Hall (111 Richmond St. W.).
Runner Market's brick-and-mortar shop (141 Berkeley St.) permanently closed last month. Online operations continue.
Scarborough’s Sail Sushi (4352 Kingston Rd., Unit 9) has come to an end. For the current occupant, see above.
NEWS
After years of speculation and anticipation, popular U.S. burger chain Shake Shack is finally opening in Toronto.
Police are on the lookout for two men after a restaurant in the Bloor & Church area was broken into.
Adding onto last week’s food recalls: Various brands of Chicken Soup Products recalled due to swollen containers, Komera Original Seasoned Hot Pepper Sauce recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria, Liesse Chocolatier Vegan Chocolate Bunnies recalled due to undeclared milk, and Certain Wonton King Wontons recalled due to undeclared egg.
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