OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News September 30-October 6, 2021
Photo courtesy of Fonda Balam.
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
🕒 19.5 min read
After writing hundreds of OPEN/CLOSEDs over the years, and especially the completely bonkers editions during the pandemic (averaging +110 new arrivals every month), I’m still gobsmacked by the amount of activity happening across the GTA. Fact: This week’s issue containing 29 arrivals and insane amount of closures and events is the longest read to date, so you may have to book off some vacation time to get through it, but it’s worth it. Also, I miss the outdoors. Is it still nice out?
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Calii Love’s midtown location (2131 Yonge St.) was all set to launch last summer, but got pushed back to December, then delayed again this summer. Their new home at Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos nestled next to other eateries and retail: Farm Boy, West Elm, Staples, Hale Coffee, and coming soon: Oretta, marks the fifth location for the healthy brand, though the OG shuttered in June. Festivities kicks off tomorrow at 11am with free salad bowls, poke bowls, and Nava Social coffee (while supplies last) and a $1000 trip to be won. Celebrations run through to Sunday.
U.K. chai and desi street food chain Chaiiwala of London, began 90 years ago, growing to 42 tea rooms nationwide. The first Canadian outpost has arrived in Scarborough (55 Lebovic Ave, Unit C110), with more on the way. Tuck into an array of items include masala omelette, dal, and their signature Karak Chaii or coffee.
Calling all cookie monsters: Get your fix via Colossal Cookie Co.’s new pop-up Pickup Boutique opening inside the historic Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St. W.) tomorrow. Want to reduce your wait time? Place your order online got pick up within 30 minutes or if you’re in the area, scan the QR code in-store.
Korean soju bar Dalbam (640 Church St.) debuts tomorrow.
Dave’s Hot Chicken launched the first of two locations in Canada this year, both in the 6ix: Parkdale in January and Midtown following in July. The third takes over the former home of Stratengers (1130 Queen St. E.), a Leslieville staple for 32 years before shuttering January 31. The Nashville hot chicken chain’s east end outpost welcomes the public tomorrow.
The seemingly endless menu at Dundas and Ossington’s Dumpling Dumpling (1116 Dundas St. W.) means you’ll never tire of takeout. Szechuan specialties ($11.99-$13.99), seafood options, lunch selections rice and noodle dishes abound. Pro tip: Pick up their frozen dumplings ($13-$15) help reduce meal prep and grocery fatigue.
Readers of the OPEN/CLOSED were the first to discover the new home of Mexican eatery by chefs Matty Matheson, Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo back in July. This week, TR newsletter subscribers were the first to know Fonda Balam (802 Dundas St. W.) quietly debuted this weekend. Doors officially opened yesterday. Read more about Kate and Julio in my acclaimed chef series, At The Pass.
Is cold-brew yogurt your new obsession? Likely, with Hi Yogurt (516 Curran Pl.) making their Lactobacillus bulgaricus concoctions with fresh ingredients from a sister co which happens to be an Ontario farm.
imPerfect Fresh Eats debuted a new location just last week. Should you wish for one above Bloor, their outpost between Eglinton and Davisville (2025 Yonge St.) should suit.
You heard it here first: First there was Egg Bae, then Egg Club and Wonder Egg followed. There’s a new Korean egg toast in town: Jjin Toast (792 Bathurst St.) across from Bathurst Station with a focused menu: Bokko Toast ($5.99), Wasa Mayo Crab ($7.99), Ham Cheese ($6.99) and Double Cheese Bacon ($8.99).
La Familgia New York Pizza (2318 Danforth Ave.) has set up shop in the east end smack dab between Woodbine and Main. In addition to an array of Manhattan-style ‘za including selections Shrimp Scampi, Clams Casina, Eggplan Parm, and Philly Cheesesteak. you’ll find Chicago style pies, stuffed rolls, hot and cold subs, pastas, and salads. Sweet: Customers receive 10 per cent off pickup orders. And don’t sleep on this feature: Their website boasts a “reorder” button for those of you who like to keep things on the regular.
Loop Line Wine & Food (643 Dupont St.) has landed at Dupont and Christie. The cozy wine bar’s got a boatload of good wine and nibbles by way of cheese, cured smoked meat and fish, pate, and small veg plates.
Listen up: The next drop of Maharani Ice Cream is Monday. So far, limited-edition flavours of this South Asian frozen dessert line have included Kesar Ras Malai, Rose Falloda, and Chocolate Barfi.
It’s unlikely you’ll forget this name: The Mask Restaurant And Lounge (965 Bloor St. W.) has taken over Disgraceland’s old digs in Bloorcourt.
In addition to the regular menu, Mayas Halal Pizza And Grill (1555 O'Connor Dr.) in East York offers walk-in specials: Large Pizza 3 Toppings, 1 Dipping Sauce ($12,99); Large Pizza 3 Toppings, 10 Chicken Wings, 1 Dipping Sauce ($23.99) and X-Large Pizza 3 Toppings, 10 Chicken Wings, 2 Dipping Sauces ($28.99).
Have you been keeping up with all the comings and goings of Mean Bao these last few years? An exciting addition just landed in the Financial District in Canada’s tallest office complex, First Canadian Place (100 King St. W., Concourse Level).
Shiela Labao moved her smashing success New Pie Co. to Liberty Village and offers two new locations for pick-up starting tomorrow: Liberty Village (109 Jefferson Ave.) and Kiss My Pans (569 College St.) that opened in July.
The October 13, 2020 edition of the TR Newsletter included the news of an exciting new opening: “Last November, Giulietta’s David Minicucci and Chef Rob Rossi announced L’Unità’s final day would be New Year’s Eve, with their new concept taking over Spring 2020.” Osteria Giulia (134 Avenue Rd) was supposed the launch the following month, but of course like everything else, the pandemic delayed things. The wait is finally over: Reservations open Monday.
Pegrolls - aka the why-didn’t-I-think-of-this-genius-move spring rolls with pierogi filling - are back at The District Kitchen in Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) for a quick pop-up this weekend.
Peter Pan (373 Queen St. W.) was one of the many restaurants that converted much of its space to a bottle shop and to-go operation with prepared foods and pantry items during the pandemic. Owner/chef Noah Goldberg took to the idea, expanding his offerings right next door. Peter Pantry (371 Queen St. W.) is part retail shop, and part dining destination for coffee, lunch, dinner and/or drinks. Menu standouts: Foie Gras & Brioche ($18), Avonlea Cheddar Welsh Rarebit ($14), Salmon Tartine ($14), Veal Tonnato ($20), Filet-O-Face (pig-head terrine, lettuce and sauce gribiche, $12).
Other outlets may be bigger (they all are: Toronto Restaurants is a one-person operation), but no one’s got their finger on the pulse like this (it’s sticky with wing sauce, but still). Last week I gave you the scoop on Piccolo Piano Pizzeria (89 Harbord St.). Doors open today.
Atiq Ahmed is not a chef, but spent seven years in Japan before returning to Toronto to work in corporate training and FOH hospitality: five years at MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment), followed by stints at Hibachi Teppanyaki in Burlington and Aburi Hana in Yorkville. Wanting to bring something authentic from his travels in Japan to Canada, he’s settled on yakitori, “One of my first experiences in Japan,” he tells me in a phone interview. “I probably went once a week.” The pandemic allowed Ahmed, a self-described “amateur cook at home” to try and recreate the typically two-to-three hour intimate mindful dining experience. He “spent 12-18 months researching and creating the menu.” The premium 13-course menu is a three-to-four hour in-home dining experience for a minimum of four guests. Satori Yakitori debuts tomorrow.
Sisaket Thai Kitchen (1466 Kingston Rd.) has moved into Jatujak’s old Scarborough digs. Despite sharing similarities – Lemongrass Soup, Pad Thai, Pineapple Fried Rice, array of curries – the new arrival offers specialities of its very own: Panko Crusted Tofu Wedges, Squash & Zucchini Battered Cakes, Vegetable King Mushroom Salad, Wok Fried Chichen And Long Bean Curry.
Earlier this month, TR Newsletter subscribers got the scoop on two powerhouses joining forces: Major Treat Coffee has set up shop within wood-fired Bosnian bread destination Somun Superstar (998 Kingston Rd.). Doors for the pop-up softly opened Sunday, complete with custom pastries.
Toronto’s Historic Distillery District is keeping true to its name with the arrival of SpiritHouse (16 Trinity St.) which has a long history in the city (Remember when it was on Adelaide near King and Portland?) The whisky and cocktail bar returns with craft cocktails, whisky flights and food menu.
Pomegranate juice bar Tochal (1269 Dundas St. W.) brings its antioxidant and vitamin C packed juices and smoothies to Dundas and Dovercourt.
Tru Tea and I go back a long time: September 2019, in fact. Since then, there have been a flurry of openings. Including today’s new shop in Etobicoke (2348A Lake Shore Blvd. W.). p.s. Starting at 1pm, enjoy 20 per cent off all drinks. Tomorrow and Saturday, buy any drink and get a free regular size Double Roasted Milk Tea with tapioca. On Sunday, the first 50 customers receive a free regular size Creme de la Crème.
After launching not one, but two locations this summer, Village Juicery is back at it with a new location east side. The Danforth shop (598 Danforth Ave.) replacing neighbourhood staple Athena Bakery, kicks off grand opening festivities this Saturday with smoothie samples, Tori's Bakeshop donuts, build your own kombucha, free boozy bevvies, and goodie bags to gift to a friend.
Starting out as a ghost kitchen, 6ix Pizzas (638 Queen St. W.) s has gone the brick-and-mortar route, taking over former home of Smoke Bar and Kitchen and Lisa Marie prior to that. The halal pizza joint near Palmerston on Queen also does wings, Philly Cheesesteak and desserts.
CLOSED
I introduced you to Janrikk Millan’s JABS (Just Another Burger Spot) in April. The pop-up may have ended, but exciting things are in the works. Keep your eyes locked here.
Saturday is the last day to get in on the Cold Tea x Labora Pop-Up (1186 Queen St. W.)
First Choice Restaurant (1116 Dundas St. W.) has been replaced. See above for details.
Good Behaviour Ice Cream’s pop-up at Morellina's 146 Christie St.) ends Sunday. Visit their permanent home at Artisan Factory (342 Westmoreland Ave. N.).
The Good Goods may be concluding their pop-up at Upper East Food Club tonight, but they’ll be back at it at Hippie Market (1200 Dundas St. W.) tomorrow from 5-11pm.
La Familgia New York Pizza has moved on from their East York location (1555 O'Connor Dr.) for a spot just south of the original. See above for details.
Nana Coffee & Tea arrived at the corner of Jarvis and Dundas (198 Jarvis St.) last summer.
Rudy’s Queen West location (69 Duncan St.) is temporarily closed due to a fire last weekend. According to CP24, “The blaze started from the restaurant's deep fryer.” No injuries have been reported.
Chefs David Schwartz, Braden Chong and Keith Siu launched Sunny’s Chinese, their regional Chinese food pop-up during the pandemic. It quickly became one of the year’s biggest successes. Now that the pop-up’s concluded, find out what’s next for this culinary dream team.
Vanta Coffee Club & Eatery said goodbye to their location of five years - 2101 Brimley Rd, Unit 111 in Scarborough. But it turns out, they’ve got another in the works. Stay tuned.
CHANGES
Over the last two years, Kibo Sushi House has been rapidly expanding across the GTA. This time, they’ve simply moved a few blocks from 399 Old Orchard Grove to 1930 Avenue Rd.
EVENTS
Forever Fest is a free all-Canadian 3-day event featuring all-Canadian food, drinks and music taking place this weekend at Maple Leaf Forever Park. Transforming over 40,000 sq ft. the 30+ vendor festival will support Indigenous charity Legacy of Hope Foundation in support of Residential School Survivors.
If you read last week’s edition, you’ll be in on The Burger Bros latest opening. To celebrate the grand opening the first 100 customers tomorrow receive a free cheeseburger. Doors open at 11:30am.
Toronto Food Film Fest kicks off tomorrow.
Markham Fair, Canada's largest four-day agricultural fair, returns this weekend.
Knock at 46 Ossington is on until Sunday. The limited-time pop up sampling event by Innis & Gunn allows guests to sample their flagship brew.
You’ve got until Wednesday to get in on the fun at Night Market Toronto’s Harvest Festival at Square One (Lot P6).
This is the last weekend for The City of Toronto’s DineTOgether program.
NEWS
Choosing to welcome all guests, the owners of Oakville restaurant Zuccinis Cucina are allowing non-vaccinated customers.
A number of Toronto establishments have closed indoor dining due to proof-of-vaccination requirements including The Goods and the St. Lawrence Market, while others are currently not accepting medical exemptions including Bistro on Avenue and Farside. Some businesses are requiring proof of vaccination for patios including Godspeed Brewery and Osteria Rialto.
Shopping at the mall? Bring your ID and proof of vaccination if you want to dine. Shopping centres have security guards stationed by food courts to check identification and proof of vaccination prior to dining indoors.
Toronto made Forbes ‘Best Chinatowns Around the World’ List.
Fast food chains in Canada are pulling out all the insane stops this week: KFC is bringing back The Double Down Sandwich, Wendy’s is giving away phones, and Tim Hortons dropped mere yesterday - Double Double Collection - that’s already sold out.
Does newly minted vegan restaurant Eleven Madison Park have a secret meat menu?
ICYMI
Get the scoop on Sunny’s Chinese and MIMI Chinese Restaurant now.
The pandemic enabled a multitude of chefs to launch new projects, product lines, and in many cases, their first solo venture. It turns out, a myriad of FOH staff - bartenders, GMs, servers - followed suit. Meet James Pottie, a server at Toronto’s buzziest chicken joint Bernhardts and creator of Juicy J’s Creamy Scoops - this summer’s most fascinating ice cream.
p.s. 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.
NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY
A number of businesses are donating a portion of sales to charities and organizations to honour those impacted, including small businesses including Glory Hole Donuts, Little Sister Baking, One Night Only Pizza, Tori’s Bakeshop, Union Restaurant and large chains such as Tim Hortons.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast - I wrote about +110 new arrivals in August alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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