Open/Closed: week of September 6-12, 2018
I told you this week would be slammed. I’ve got 16 fascinating choices for dining and drinking this weekend, in addition to a ton of closings, and some big news and events.
H-e-l-l-o September!
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Head eastside for mixologist Charlie Lamont’s cocktails at Aft Bar (686 Queen St. E.) starting tonight.
Amausaan Uji Matcha (480 Dundas St. W.) has landed in Chinatown, complete with matcha ice cream and drinks.
Between $5 Jameson every day, daily features (Wed – house wine $6), and choice of good draft including seasonal selections, you can afford to grab a drink The Bluebird (2072 Dundas St. W.)
DaanGo Cake Lab in Scarborough (3380 Midland Ave.) is known for signature cakes, character macarons, and other pastries. This Saturday, the business expands with DaanGo Pastry Lab opening in Kensington Market (202 Baldwin Ave.) on Saturday.
Healthy groceries are within walking distance finally for Ossington residents with the arrival of Fresh City Farms (111 Ossington Ave.).
Heading to Bloor & Landsdowne for some thrift shopping or to get a tattoo? Stop by Glass Onion Bistro (1316 Bloor St. W.) for a drink, dinner, or snack.
#TacoTuesday is an every day celebration at Grand Electric Tacqueria (925 Queen St. W.).
Grandmama's Waffles (675 Queen St. W.) is serving up all kinds of waffles – pink praline, pandan, black sesame and ube - inside a phone shop.
Etobicoke has a new destination for Greek fare with the arrival of The Greek Spot (1466 The Queensway).
Satiate your pad thai craving with Tom Yum Pad Thai at Little Itay’s Imm Thai Kitchen (651 College St.).
Loftea specializes in Fizzanti, a carbonated tea made with tea leaves, sweetener, fruit, and option of a “chewable.” Find them in Trinity-Bellwoods alongside Sukoi Dessert (760 Queen St. W.).
Modern Asian restaurant and cocktail bar Mother Tongue is tucked away inside Templar Hotel (348 Adelaide St. W.).
The folks behind comic-book fine dining resto Figures in Yorkville (137 Avenue Rd.) are introducing Regulars (668 King St. W.) in the former home of Blowfish this weekend, starting tomorrow for lunch and dinner. Hours vary until Monday.
On the menu at Tika Tea House (675 Yonge St.) - Signature Tea Macchiato, and choice of Fruit, Cheese Fruit, Milk, or Sparkling Tea.
It’s game on at VIP Billiards & Karaoke Lounge (842 College St.).
Raise a glass at Von Bugle Brewing’s sleek new taproom in Etobicoke (249 Evans Ave.).
CLOSED
The large expanse of District Oven (842 College St.) is no more.
Lola’s Kitchen (634 Church St.) shuttered Monday, much to the surprise of the staff.
The days of all-day breakfast, an array of schnitzels, and dill pickle soup at Mihalis Place Dining (791 Broadview Ave.) are over.
Pan on the Danforth (516 Danforth Ave.), one of the longest standing restaurants in Greektown, has closed their doors. Pan fans can visit their new spot that debuted last week, Soulas Modern Greek Cuisine (500A Danforth Ave.) just a few doors west.
The Yonge-Eglinton location of Paramount Butcher Shop (2313 Yonge St.) has shuttered. The Mississauga location (4646 Heritage Hills Blvd.) remains open.
Pots & Pans Eatery (337 Danforth Ave.) folded not long after opening.
EVENTS
TIFF is in full effect until September 16. Check out #STYLEPLATE taking over Yorkville.
Market & Co. launches tomorrow in Newmarket’s Upper Canada Mall (17600 Yonge St.).
Saturday’s ice cream event by @chefgrantsoto (a.k.a. Taylor Clarke) and ruru baked is bound to break the internet. Or at least Insta.
You’ve got all weekend to celebrate Veg Food Fest.
Taste of the Kingsway is back this weekend with +100 vendors and exhibitors set up along Bloor West, from Prince Edward Dr. to Montgomery Rd.
Don’t miss the Cabbagetown Festival this Saturday and Sunday.
Get tickets now for the 2nd Annual Dinner at the Farm at Black Creek Community Farm.
NEWS
Chef Daniel Boulud was in town on Tuesday to launch the refresh of d|bar at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto (60 Yorkville Ave.). I’ll have a closer look of the contemporary look and new menu for you soon.
Bars and restaurants will be open until 4am for TIFF. Stay tuned – the full list’s coming your way in a bit.
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto (181 Wellington St. W.) is the first hotel in North America to serve Black Ivory Coffee, the “world’s rarest coffee” made by elephants pooing out the beans (remember civet coffee?). Launching during TIFF in Ritz Café, the tasting experience is $50 for 2-3 guests.
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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.