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

🕘 6.5 min read

The inaugural Toronto MICHELIN Guide dominated the news this week, but you and I both know that inspectors will never capture the true essence of this city and all it has to offer. As I’ve documented here for years, the culinary landscape is forever shifting and can change drastically within months, even weeks. What was the spot three months ago may already be old news for the fooderati. These days, with the exception of favourite old haunts, your chosen hot spots likely change as often as the seasons.

That said, there’s a lot to cover with the arrival of the guide (Did you know there are multiple designations, such as Bib Gourmand?) So this week’s edition is shorter than usual, but rest assured there’s plenty more to come. And more news ahead in The Tip Off, exclusively available in the TR Newsletter. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Café le Majestik (2900 Markham Rd., Unit A45) just landed in Scarborough with an array of cha chaan teng eats, from Cantonese congee and clay pot rice to egg donbur and street side snacks. The dim sum crafted into the shape of bears, bunnies, pigs and the not-often seen swans however, will likely take precedent.

Sibling bakers Alysa (Bayfield Provisions) and Jenna King (Bakewell) launched their online marketplace during the pandemic – July 2020. Thanks in large part to $40K raised on Kickstarter, a brick-and-mortar version of City Bakers Collective (1352 Danforth Ave.) debuts Saturday. In addition to their own products, the bakery will serve as a rotating venue for “up-and-coming bakers and small businesses to make and sell their own products under a common roof.”

Psst. Krazy Dog softly launches today in Etobicoke (20 Lockport Ave.) putting Brazilian-style hotdogs in the spotlight.

After being a Parkdale fixture for a decade, Glory Hole Doughnuts’ last day in the ‘hood (1596 Queen St. W.) was Friday. Good news: Grand opening celebrations for the new Harbord Village digs (130 Harbord St.) are happening Saturday. 

Hi Yogurt’s signature farm-style cold brew yogurt came on the scene during the pandemic and continues to flourish. Find the latest shop across the street from U of T’s St. George Campus (199 College St.).

Momotaro Sushi claims to be “the best sushi in Canada.” See for yourself at their new spot in the Junction (2911 Dundas St W.).

Off World Bar (739 Queen St. W., 2nd Fl) debuts tonight. The “mobile interstellar cocktail bar” brought to you by the folks of Storm Crow Manor, offers an “extraterrestrial cocktail experience.” Find them at Queen and Tecumseth where The Raq Bar and Lounge stood for 23 years before shuttering in October 2020.

Keto schmeto. “The first potato bar in Canada” is here to fulfill your carb loading dreams. Find smoked taters with all the trimmings and even spud-centric desserts at Potato Bar (3525 Platinum Dr.) in Mississauga.

Pret A Manger began life in the U.K. in the mid-80s, but over the years has swelled to hundreds of locations across the globe and become a well-known stop for folks for sandos, soups, frittatas, coffee and baked goods. It finally arrived north of the border in Vancouver in July. Closer to home, they’ve landed in the Entertainment District (60 John St.) across from Metro Hall. Both Canadian locations are located inside A&W (60 John St.). The odd pairing is part of the Canadian-owned burger chain’s “two-year pilot” of the Pret brand in the Great White North.

Industry vet Evelyn Chick launched pop-up and event venue Ahma (1564 Queen St. W.) last winter. (Insider tip: Saint Island Pies, who set up shop in February for a short stint, is back.) Check out her new spot up the street Simpl Things (269 Dunn Ave.) opening tonight. On the menu: Ciccheti by chef Cody Philip Wilkes (Pasta Cartl), snacks by Betty Chia (Eats by Betty), and drinks by EC herself.

CLOSED

Good Behaviour’s newest outpost in Yorkville (874 Yonge St.) shuttered Sunday after just five months in operation, due to “plans for building redevelopment.” Psst. Find their signature subs and ice cream in Stock-in-Trade‘s former Gerrard location soon.

Nicky’s (2120A Bloor St. W.) run in Bloor West Village has come to an end. Find out what’s in its stead.

The last day for Stock-in-Trade’s Gerrard India Bazaar shop (1324A Gerrard St. E.) was May 29. Luckily, the Danforth location (307 Danforth Ave.) that debuted last year is ready to serve you. 

EVENTS

There’s still lots of time to get in on the exciting festivals and events dedicated to your favourite foods, drinks and entertainment happening across the 6ix. For 45+ block parties, parades, markets and more, get the Toronto Restaurants Guide to September Fests + Events now

ICYMI

The results are in for the first Toronto Michelin Guide: Discover who received stars and Bib Gourmand designation, and stay tuned - more coverage to follow shortly.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

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