OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News October 21-27, 2021
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 min read
This week, I uncovered 22 arrivals featuring a real mishmash of eateries - both in types of food offered as well as format. Which pairs perfectly with the weather right now: tank top and sandals one minute, jacket and toque the next.
And stay tuned - more news, exciting new features, etc., are on the way. In the meantime, here’s the very latest.
OPEN
Riverside’s newest arrival, restaurant and cocktail lounge Aura (686 Queen St. E.) at Queen and Broadview, boasts a heated patio - ideal for cooler days like these.
Brasa Peruvian Kitchen debuted at Dupont and Landsdowne this summer. While the outpost at First Canadian Place isn’t quite ready to launch, the chain’s signature bowls and salads have landed east side at Kitchen Hub’s Cabbagetown location (234 Parliament St.).
East York is overflowing with culinary gems, and Elmer’s Fine Food (1027 Pape Ave.) at Pape and Cosburn is no exception. On the menu: Filipino comfort fare for days. Think Pancit Bihon, Nilaganga Baka, Crispy Pata, Kare Kare, Chicken Afritada, Binagoongan, Dinakdakan and Bopis – a spicy delicacy made with minced pig’s lung and heart. Pro tip: Leave room for dessert - Lechen Flan, Cassava Cake, Royal Bibingka, Tuon and Halo Halo.
Extra Burger’s focused menu (burgers, fried chicken sando, fries) has been a sensation since inception. No doubt success will follow at their new home in Oakwood (319 Oakwood Ave.).
TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to know: Farzi Café debuts in Canada tomorrow. The chain's "unique, modernist approach to Indian food" - aka molecular gastronomy - and mention in the Michelin Guide have been making headlines of late, so you might expect the eatery to land in a buzzy neighbourhood downtown or chic, out-of-the-way spot. In fact, it's opening in a mall: Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr.).
Flourish and Bask (245 Lakeshore Rd. E., Unit 2) in Oakville celebrates the art of entertaining with all the components for happy hour - sans alcohol - in addition to an assortment of housewares and décor. Grand opening celebrations took place Saturday.
Psst. The follks behind AMPM have created another entrancing Parkdale destination: Fun Time (1566 Queen St. W., back entrance), complete with Southeast Asian street food.
Good Luck Café (5533 Yonge St.) softly opened at Yonge & Finch last week. While their food menu includes enticing HK cafe selections, your attention will likely sway toward drinks bobbing with three-dimensional Ted-esque shaped infused ice, until it eerily liquefies.
Hazukido’s third location in the GTA touched down in Markham at CF Markville Mall (5000 Hwy 7).
The frenzy of hotel openings downtown continues with King Blue Hotel at the corner of King Street West and Blue Jays Way (355 King St. W.) in the heart of Entertainment District. Bonus features: pet-friendly rooms, rooftop terrace and deluxe indoor swimming pool. *Hands up if you remember when the location was home to Indian Motorcycle Café & Lounge.
Le Dolci bakery has been a part of Trinity Bellwoods since 2012. Should you live outside the vicinity, a selection of their award-winning cakes, cupcakes and brownie trays are now available through Kitchen Hub’s Etobicoke (935 The Queensway) and Cabbagetown (234 Parliament) locations.
I’ve been chronicling all the eateries at 858 Eglinton Ave. E. in East York since early summer: First Conspiracy Pizza, quickly followed by ice cream joint Churnt Up, and Phamilyeats in July. The evolution continues with the addition of late night confectionery, Midnight Cookie. Doors open tomorrow.
Milky’s (760 Dundas St. W.) dreamy spot at Dundas and Bathurst just got a sweet sibling: Visit Milky’s Cloud Room in Stackt Market’s Marketplace (28 Bathurst St., Unit 1-107).
Readers of last week’s OPEN/CLOSED were the first in on resos opening for the wildly-anticipated MIMI Chinese (265 Davenport Rd.). For those just catching up, the restaurant opens today, though there’s likely to be quite a wait. To help pass the time, discover more about this exciting venture from the talented folks behind Sunny’s Chinese.
Coffee and office supplies/stationery go hand-in-hand, so how apropos to find the sixth Mos Mos Coffee nestled in Staples’ chic new shop at Richmond and Parliament (517 Richmond St. E.).
Pearl Chinese Cuisine debuted at the water’s edge Harbourfront (207 Queen's Quay W., Unit 200) years back, followed by a coveted spot in Bayview Village (2901 Bayview Ave.) in 2011. The third installation is undoubtedly the most stunning. Take a peek inside the new digs, spanning approx. 7,000 square feet at Oakville Place (240 Leighland Ave., near Entrance 1).
Taking over Mulberry Bar’s stomping grounds at Bloor and Shaw (828 Bloor St. W.) is Praise Bottle Shop by Will Predhomme and Scott Zabarth, the fellas behind Gargoyle Wine Club. In addition to purchasing bottles, guests can tuck into wine on-site, alongside bites curated by esteemed chef Doug Penfold (Cava, Chabrol, Tanto).
The last time I wrote about Sang-Ji Fried Bao was 2018. Welcome back, old friend, this time (5461 Yonge St.) with a new menu.
Sari Not Sari (1566 Queen St. W.) delivers on DJs, drinks, and vibes, but eats by the one and only BBs is what makes it legend.
Reservations for Selva (221 Richmond St. W.), the “world’s first immersive, multi-sensory art/resto/bar experience,” open Sunday. Leading the culinary program - Nuit Regular, executive chef and co-owner of Kiin, Sabai Sabai, Sukthothai, PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, and By Chef Nuit. She took over the food program at The Fifth and RendezViews at the same address this summer.
Victory Food encompasses all your fast food cravings – smash burgers, fried chicken, pizza, and desserts – with a few salads added in for good measure. The line by Chef Victor Barry (PIANO PIANO, PICCOLO PIANO Pizzeria) debuted yesterday at food hall Kitchen Hub in Cabbagetown (234 Parliament).
CLOSED
Hanabusa Café in Kensington Market (77 Kensington Ave.) is no more.
Rosy Kitchen in Danforth Village (2620 Danforth Ave.) has shuttered.
Wong’s Ice Cream & Store is closing for good. Better stock up. What flavours will you miss the most?
EVENTS
COMEBACK is on at stackt market this weekend with a pop-up restaurant, vendor village featuring 20+ small local businesses, and much more.
Street Eats Market x Scarborough Town Centre returns this weekend with The Mac and Cheese Festival.
I first discovered Ensanemada in July. Find an array of ”Filipino brioche with a twist” at The District Kitchen at Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) this weekend.
Big Trouble Pizza’s next burger pop-up is happening Monday in front of soon-to-be neighbours Famiglia Baldassarre (122 Geary Ave.).
NEWS
You’ll soon be able to purchase local craft brews at farmers’ markets.
Could the City’s CaféTO patio program become permanent?
ICYMI
Have you downloaded your enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate? For how to get yours, head to the TR Proof of Vaccination Guide.
If you haven’t already subscribed to the newsletter, now’s the time. Get The Tip Off, a sneak peek at the upcoming Open/Closed (because who doesn’t want to be the first to know?), and fab deals and special offers from restaurants and local businesses (because who doesn’t want to save money?), all exclusive to subscribers.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast - I wrote about +110 new arrivals in September 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 menu, bottle shop, or private dining space but you’re on a budget? We can help. *Prices have been reduced to help local businesses during this time. Limited space available.
