THE TIP OFF - EDITION 16
🎧 Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST.
THE TIP OFF this week is bursting with big changes, fine dining, Michelin, and intrigue. You know, the usual.
THIS JUST IN:
Little Italy has seen an influx of activity lately, few if any, Italian joints. Will that trend continue with the arrival of N.L. Ginzburgs (548 College St.)? Stay tuned.
Speaking of Little Italy, By Aanch came on the scene in 2023. A “theatrical interpretation of modern day Indian fare”, and “sassy little sister” to chef Kumar’s Michelin Recommended Aanch Restaurant has closed. The original on Wellington (259 Wellington St. W.) remains open.
The movement in Yorkville these days is off the charts, including temporary closures. Paros (119 Yorkville Ave.), a relatively new addition, was lauded by the glitterati when it opened the end of September 2023. The Greek restaurant and bar is closed for now, slated to reopen “soon.”
Yonge and Wellesley, known for its mostly casual offerings, is getting a serious upgrade with a fine dining Japanese restaurant. Sushi Kiwami has dropped at Yonge and Gloucester (599 Yonge St.) with omakase lunch or dinner coming in at a cool $299 per person.
With so much breaking news and arrivals and closures happening at breakneck speed, numerous establishments comings and goings have slipped under the radar. Take The Shore Club for example from The Tip Off Edition 13. The steakhouse known for its surf and turf closed months ago however eluded most of the public and press up until my report last month. Add another steakhouse to the list: The Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan Toronto’s sole restaurant and bar. Wildfire Steakhouse & Wine Bar wrapped up service on the premises (8 Colborne St.) last summer**, which at first glance, may appear as just another closure, however is notable as the hotel is part of the Michelin Guide. For a brief rundown on Michelin Hotels see below.* No wonder it went under the radar until now - At the time of recording, the restaurant has the hotel’s address and contact info on its website and Michelin includes the restaurant as part of the hotel in its listing online. As for the hotel? The (restaurant) space is currently under renovation, said to be welcoming a new dining destination this year.
*In September 2023, the Michelin Guide revealed the first Michelin Keys for Canada. “Like the Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Keys are our most outstanding hotels,” with three distinctions - One, Two, and Three Keys. While the ‘key’ concept may be a new addition, it’s a little known fact that Michelin gave out accolades to 20 Toronto hotels in 2022.
**The steakhouse is currently operating at its location in Oshawa.
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