Open/Closed: week of June 14-20, 2018
Mic drop. I’ve got another 18 openings this week, and almost as many events to tell you about.
It’s a record-breaking time in our city, so get your phone out – you’ve got serious plans and resos to make this weekend.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
If your cravings include fried chicken sandwich, burger, or chili cheese fries, head to Cabanos Comfort Food (75 St. Nicholas St.) between Yonge and Bay, south of Bloor.
Micro coffee shop The Coffee Lab (141 Spadina Ave.) keeps it simple with just enough room for a barista and coffee machine. Order your caffeine fix through the take-out window.
Enter off Morrison St. to get to Cops (445 Adelaide St.), home of drip coffee & hot mini doughnuts in cinnamon sugar and daily glaze.
Crumbs Patties (334 Yonge St.) has popped up on Yonge near Dundas.
Doors opened Tuesday for Toronto Marriott Markham Hotel (170 Enterprise Blvd.) and Draco, the hotel’s lobby restaurant and bar.
The” first pay-what-you-can free grocery store, bakery and coffee shop in the world” Feed It Forward Grocery Store (3324 Dundas St. W.) launches Saturday, noon to 7pm.
I told you finer dining was on its way back. Frilu Restaurant (7713 Yonge St.) debuted Tuesday in Thornhill.
Hailbut House Fish and Chips continues its expansion, this time in Scarborough’s West Hill area (4410 Kingston Rd.).
Introducing Momofuku Toronto's Kōjin (190 University Ave.) with executive chef Paula Navarrete at the stove. Stay tuned.
Discover tasty tings at Merienda Filipino Snack Bar by Carl Merienda at Mum's The Word (567 College St.) for a limited time.
What’s on the menu at Paradice Shaved Ice (792 College St.)? Shaved ice treats, bubble waffles, and “secret underworld menu,” to start.
Espress yo’ self at Garden District’s Pop Coffee Works (190 Jarvis St.).
Sansotei Ramen is fire with two new locations just days apart: 115 Fort York Blvd. in CityPlace, and Tuesday’s launch at Square One (100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga) Level 2, near Entrance 9.
Grabbing a healthy meal is easy thanks to Salus Fresh Foods’ second venue, now open in The Path (ScotiaPlaza, 40 King St. W., Concourse Level).
In need of a new destination for Thai food? How ‘bout two? Say hello to Urban Thai (415 Parliament St.) in Cabbagetown, and Viet Thai Kitchen (1468 Victoria Park Ave., Unit 1) at Victoria Park and O’Connor.
The “home of good taste” and “deep fried heaven” chain Yumys Chicken and Seafood (3085 Hurontario St.) debuts another Mississauga location this Sunday.
EVENTS
You’ve got all weekend to visit Taco Fest.
T.O. East Brewery Collective’s Brewed in the East Tap Takeover takes place today, featuring over 30 beers from 10 East End breweries.
Mount Pleasant Village hosts their Shop, Wine & Dine event until June 23rd.
Poutine lovers, don’t miss this weekend’s Mississauga Poutine Feast.
You’d better make room for The Taste of Little Italy too.
Celebrity chef Lynn Crawford heads up Danforth’s Thrill of the Grill on Saturday.
You’ve got just two weeks left for this month’s feature restaurant FLOCK at Summerhill’s Restaurant PopUp.
NEWS
Actor Robert DeNiro, chef Nobu Matsuhisa and movie producer Meir Teper were in town for the Nobu Toronto groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.
Congratulations to chef Patrick Kriss and Toronto’s Alo Restaurant (163 Spadina Ave, 2nd Fl.) for making the top 100 on the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list, released Tuesday. The only Canadian restaurant to make the cut landed at 94. The top 50 will be announced in Bilbao, Spain on June 19th.
Health alert: A case of Hepatitis A was confirmed at the Calii Love kiosk inside Union Station this week.
Great news for Jollibee lovers – the chain plans to expand with plans to open 100 stores in Canada in the next five years.
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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Let me know – writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.