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

🕘 7 min read

This week’s edition is full of surprises from a hidden destination in Yorkville to a restaurant doling out cash for trivia knowledge.

Pro tip: Stay tuned. More news ahead in The Tip Off, exclusively available in the TR Newsletter. And make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and exciting announcements.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

ISO of Afghani fare in the GTA? Bamiyan Kabob has landed in Oakville (250 Hampshire Gate) with an array of kabobs, wraps, salads and more.

Brasa Peruvian Kitchen touched down in the 6ix just last year but has already built up a small empire. Visit their new spot at Queen and John (317 Queen St. W.) Head’s up: Go this weekend and you can win cold hard cash for your knowledge about Peru.

Psst. Yorkville just got another hidden destination. Say hello to C Suite (126A Cumberland St.), a bespoke cocktail bar and lounge with mixologist Albert Han - master of concoctions at Markham’s Kiu Japanese Restaurant - behind the bar. The sleek space was home to Jacques Bistro Du Parc until earlier this year.

Head to Gate 8 Bistro (73 Roncesvalles Ave.) in Roncesvalles Village for grub (the burgers are already popular) and drinks in the unique space formerly home to The Simple Kitchen.

The trajectory of Gus Tacos has included three names – Taqueria Gus to start, followed by Tacos Gus (still in effect as their website domain) and for some time now, their current moniker – and multiple locations. Insider tip: An outpost in Scarborough’s Cliffcrest kicks off today.

Moto Via’s Woodbridge location (7600 Weston Rd) debuted last week. Fun fact: The local Italian chain known for its pizza and pasta also employed different namesakes for its various concepts back in 2019.

The third Mr Congee Chinese Cuisine has softly opened. The Cantonese restaurant in Markham’s New Kennedy Square (8362 Kennedy Rd., Unit 8) offers up a wide variety of dishes from Chicken Soup with Black Pepper Pork Stomach to Crispy Spiced Pigeon served whole.

A colourful mural depicts menu options at Oasis Shawarma and Wings (3308 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Unit 5) in Etobicoke.

Amongst the countless dishes available at Pho Anh Vu (420 Hwy 7, Unit 34) in Richmond Hill, you find a few specialties: Bun Bo Hue, Spicy hue style beef and pork and blood pudding with vermicelli soup; and only available Friday-Sunday Spicy hue style beef special with crab cake, homemade sausage, rare beef with vermicelli soup, beef shank and ham hock.

Peterborough’s petite plant-based Revelstoke Café & Kitchen and Revelstoke Bake House just debuted plant-centric restaurant Revelstoke in Cabbagetown (195 Carlton St.), open for for brunch, lunch, dinner and cafe service where The Irv Gastro Pub stood until recently. Are you a sticker enthusiast? Add your faves to their wall.

Holiday shopping just got a helluva lot easier thanks to Seaton Village’s new arrival Tiny’s General Store (80 Barton Ave.). Start with the French press and pour over carafe and local leather goods. Another reason to go? The Sonndr Cafe (805 Dovercourt Rd.) is onsite.

Elisa Cart opened at University and Dundas in September and I gave you the head’s up on their next addition. Introducing Yeondon Ball Katsu (209 Dundas St. W.). The focus: Korea’s famous ball katsu – deep-fried breaded ground meat or cheese –  also available as sliders in three varieties: Tartar, Teriyaki, and Spicy Salsa. Doors open Friday.

CLOSED

Did you get to visit Grand Lake Chinese Cuisine and Banquet  (8362 Kennedy Rd, Unit 8) before they closed? For what’s replaced it, see above.

CHANGES 

Judy’s Island Grill in York is now Sheryl's Caribbean Cuisine (1720 Eglinton Ave. W.). While the name and look may have changed, the owner, food and location remain the same.

NEWS

Ontario Sports fans can have a bevy as early as 7am during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 taking place November 20-December 18, 2022.

Food recalls haven’t let up. This week: Hardbite Wild Onion & Yogurt Potato Chips recalled due to undeclared milk, Lactaid 4% Milkfat Min. Cottage Cheese recalled due to plastic, and Loop Mission Sparkling Strawberry Probiotic Soda recalled due to possible spoilage. [UPDATE 20.11.22: Bliss Balls and Everland chocolate products recalled due to undeclared milk.]

ICYMI

ByBlacks.com Restaurant Week is back in the 6ix. Explore the exciting lineup and prix fixe menus for the BRW 2022 Fall Edition now.

Industry: Promote your takeout + delivery, private event space, holiday events, heated patio, products, merch + gift cards  to an exclusive foodie audience. Get started now.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in October 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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