Open/Closed: week of May 25-31, 2017

Even with a short week, I’ve got 11 new all-over-the-map eateries to keep you satiated this weekend.

Here’s the very latest:

OPENINGS

In the mood for a bit of everything? Markham’s new Black Bear Japanese Fusion (4568 Hwy 7 Ave E. Unit 3) specializes in rice burgers, omelette rices, udon, dessert, and beertails.

Smoke Bourbon BBQ’s second location got a new name – Bourbon Street Smokehouse(901 Bloor St. W.) – and menu. In addition to the usual suspects of smoked ribs and brisket, you’ll find Bourbon Smoked Nachos ($10), Smoked Candied Salmon ($20) and Smoked Half Chicken ($18).

Dig into pizza, pasta and Italian-inspired tapas at Cano Restaurant (1108 St Clair Ave. W.). Doors open on Monday at 5 pm, but head down earlier for complimentary pizza slices, available from 12 to 3 pm.

District Eatery’s (303 King St. W.) grand opening celebrations take place tomorrow from 9 pm to 2 am. Features include two patios, a lengthy booze menu, and menu selections of Mushroom Toasts ($9.75), Blackberry Grilled Cheese ($12.50), Smoked Fish Charcuterie ($16) and Chicken Karaage Salad ($14).

Brought to you by Erik Joyal and John Sinopoli [Table 17 (closed), Ascari Enoteca and Hi-Lo Bar], Gare De L'Est Brasserie (345 Carlaw Ave.) opened yesterday, though they’re still waiting on a liquor license.

Queen and Spadina got itself a new sports bar by way of In the Paint (145 Spadina Ave.).

Yet another reason to move to the Junction: Responsible fishing advocates Hooked(3101 Dundas St. W.) opened their new shop on Friday, just down the street from John Bil’s fish shop and lunch counter Honest Weight (2766 Dundas St. W.) , also offering responsibly sourced seafood.

On the menu at Pacific Park Social Panini & Caffe (2986 Dundas St. W.)? Grilled sandwiches and coffee, of course, but also Spicy Kale & Chickpea Salad with whipped ricotta, Gorgonzola, hot peppers and pine nuts, dressed in garlic-chili vinaigrette. There’s a kid’s menu, too.

Phoenix Cafe’s (10A Edward St.) menu is wide-ranging – Hainanese Chicken (only available until 9:45 pm), all-day breakfasts (eggs served with fried chicken and tuna sandwiches, BTW) and Malayasian Curry are just the beginning.

The Rolling Pin (1970 Avenue Rd.) has made the move to Nortown. Doors open tomorrow.

Chef Anthony Rose has been busy. Along with writing a cookbook and running six eateries, Rum Shack is now open at the back of Rose & Sons on Queen (892 Queen St.) with Rum Punch ($10), Daiquiri ($10) and Fancy Cocktail #1 ($14) on offer. And on Saturday, Madame Boeuf and Flea launches behind Bar Begonia (252 Dupont St.) 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. You’ll want to get there early. No doubt the vinyl, comics, candles, scarves and baked goods will sell out quickly. Can’t make it? Not to worry, the flea market takes place on the last Saturday of each month.

CLOSINGS

The lineups started early this week for Dangerous Dan’s Diner (714 Queen St. E.), and will no doubt grow exponentially right up until closing. Monday’s the last day to get original menu items such as Cereal Killer Sandwich (chicken breast stuffed with peameal and cheddar, rolled in cornflakes then deep-fried, lettuce, tomato and mayo), The Elvis Burger (bacon, peanut butter, fried banana) and The Big Kervorkian Burger (fried onion, one onion ring, fried mushrooms, two sliced bacon, deep-fried pickle, garlic dressing, mayo).

*****

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Let me know.

https://www.yellowpages.ca/articles/openclosed-week-of-may-25-31-2017