OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 18-24, 2021
Photo courtesy of Poke Guys.
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. #ifyouknowyouknow
🕒 10.5 min read
New York City is one helluva big town. So when I discovered my weekly findings came in way over their arrivals last week, it was a shock. I don’t know if it’s a frequent occurrence or not, but it proves what I’ve been saying all along: there’s been a seismic shift in the landscape here in Toronto and GTA, resulting in an explosion of new launches and expansions. And this week is no exception: Behold 21 arrivals.
Stay tuned: more news coming your way in The Tip Off, exclusively available in the TR Newsletter. In the meantime, here’s the very latest:
OPEN
TR Newsletter subscribers heard it first a few weeks back: Celebrity chefs Matty Matheson and Rang Nguyen are opening Cà Phê Rang (147 Spadina Ave., Unit 109), a bánh mì destination where Birria Balam (predecessor to Fonda Balam) perched until mid-August. Their friendship goes waaay back: Red Seal Chef Rang trained the prolific restaurateur and Just a Dash host at Le Sélect Bistro (now shuttered) 19 years ago. Update: Doors officially opened Tuesday, with the talented Coulson Armstrong at the stove.
When one Thai restaurant closes, another opens - at least that’s the case with Chiang Mai Thai Kitchen + Bar (353 Danforth Ave.) near Chester Station. However, don’t mistake the eateries for one another - their approach and menus are quite different.
Today marks the official opening of Dear Grain (48 Ossington Ave.), though the soft launched occurred over the weekend. The “sourdough studio” and first standalone retail location in the 6ix is your HQ for all things sour and tangy, including their signature loaves and seasonal pastries. Want to make your own? Pick up ingredients and equipment while you shop. Pro tip: Get there early. It’s sure to be one of the busiest spots on the strip.
El Prince Shawarma & Bakery softly opened in Mississauga (3050 Artesian Dr.), with grand opening celebrations to follow.
A health-centric market just landed at Jarvis and Dundas. Sibling-owned Esra’s (237 Dundas St. E.) specializes in “organic, local, fair-trade and zero waste” products, sourcing “everything from Ontario farmers,” in addition to ethically sourced imported goods. Shop produce, pantry items, spices, cold press juices, smoothies, fair-trade coffee and other good stuff under one roof.
Fussion Sushi (160 Baldwin St., Unit 74) debuted in Kensington on Thursday with a lineup of rolls featuring unique sauces, such as Passion Fruit (shrimp, cream cheese, and cucumber topped with passion fruit sauce - $14/10pcs) and Crunchy (deep-fried shrimp and avocado roll, finished with creamy oregano sauce $15/10pcs).
Giovane Caffè, a concept out of Vancouver “inspired by the modern Italian caffè,” debuted at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto (188 University Ave.) earlier this week.
TR Newsletter subscribers are already in the know, but for those out of the loop, here’s a quick recap: Nashville Hot Chicken has been a hot commodity both globally and locally for some time now and the spicy chicken trend shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. The newest entry, Hanley’s Nashville Hot Chicken, just launched a virtual kitchen inside La Carnita in Leslieville. Did you know? Just down the street: Dave's Hot Chicken that replaced neighbourhood fixture Stratengers on October 1.
I've been chronicling the debut and swift expansion of Hazukido for a year now, and the excitement continues: The popular croissanterie introduces their latest shop in North York (5315 Yonge St.) this weekend. Doors open Friday and Saturday at 10am. Psst. The first 30 customers receive a box of three croissants (custard, honeycomb, truffle crab) and the next 50 customers enjoy a BOGO croissant offer (up to one free croissant of less or equal value). *All promotions are limited to one per customer.
North of Brooklyn Pizzeria’s outpost at the corner of Greenwood and Danforth (663 Greenwood Ave.) has been in the works for some time. Psst east enders: You can get your hands on their New York-style ‘za now.
Bloorcourt’s newest occupant does modern Korean fare alongside an array organic and natural wines and other libations. Find Orote Restaurant (276 Havelock St.) near Dufferin right off Bloor.
Pastucci’s - aka “Canada's first build-your-own-pasta bar” - softly opened eatery number three on St. Clair (55 St. Clair Ave. W.) between Yonge and Avenue Road.
Saturday’s grand opening for the third Poke Guys in the GTA (2904 Highway 7, Unit 107, Vaughan) includes a BOGO offer on any food item.
Sweetie Pie has be busy building an empire, particularly in 2021. The momentum continues with a destination in the Distillery (6 Case Goods Lane), just in time for the holidays.
Takoyaki6ix’s founder, Chef Kaori Hisada cooked in restos downtown (Hothouse, The Sultant’s Tent & Cafe Moroc, Konnichiwa, Toshi Sushi) before launching a takoyaki stand featuring the popular Japanese street food. Popping up in and outside various spots in Kensington last year, the eatery finally has a permanent place to serve the and call home (160 Baldwin St., Unit 5), though is currently operating out in front until the interior is complete.
The Thirsty Elf, Fairmont Royal York’s annual holiday pop-up (100 Front St. W., Avenues Level) kicks off tomorrow. The kitschy bar event is on until December 18.
This is definitely a first: Hidden away in food court in a home improvement mall* in Vaughan lies a new Peruvian resto-bar. Tupak Restaurant (Improve, 7250 Keele St., Unit 407, Entrance B) debuted a few weeks ago with a selection of appetizers (Anticuchos - grilled beef heart kebobs marinated in Peruvian spices, served with potatoes $15), ceviches ($16-$27), mains ($23-$27), and lunch specials (Asado en Pure de Espinacas - Peruvian style roast beef accompanied by green mashed potatoes and house sauce $19). Redoing the kitchen just got a little easier. * Apparently not only is it a thing (who knew?), it’s “Canada's largest home improvement centre.”
Venom Coffee (91 Lewis St.) has set up shop in Riverside with a host of goodies including scones, danishes, croissants, and bomboloni.
It’s been less than two months since Vivo Pizza+Pasta added to its roster , but it’s full speed ahead for the Italian chain. The stellar digs at College and Bay (832 Bay St.) welcomed customer earlier this week. The official opening party – open to the public – takes place tomorrow. (Remember when the expansive space with 30+ ft. ceilings and sky high windows was home to another pizzeria back in the day, Via Vai?)
In the mood for braised chicken pot and Chinese rice noodles? You’re in luck: Yunshang Rice Noodle and Yang's Braised Chicken Rice have opened together at New Kennedy Square (8380 Kennedy Rd., Unit C2-C4) in Markham. Win-win.
EVENTS
The Distillery Winter Village opens today, running until December 31.
Bar Neon’s Winter Market launches Sunday at 6pm with a tree lighting ceremony.
Tickets are on sale for Holiday Street Market taking place at Scarborough Town Centre every weekend in December.
NEWS
Jeremy Elzinga, a long-time employee of The Done Right Inn, passed away last month. The pub held a private event on November 6 to celebrate his life.
City Council approved Canada’s first Black Food Sovereignty Plan for Toronto.
ICYMI
You don’t need another inspirational quote - you need coffee. Enter to win a fab coffee lovers gift basket with all the fixins in this week’s exciting Instagram giveaway.
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 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.
Need help promoting your holiday menus, private event space or pantry items that make great gifts, but you’re on a budget? We can help. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available.
