Open/Closed: Toronto Restaurant News August 29 – Sept 4, 2019
This week’s closures – a staggering 11 – almost equals the amount of openings - 12.
It’s a sobering thought and much-needed reminder that our established eateries and shops are as vital as new arrivals.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
The Bar Ape X Ace Hill Pop-Up (915 Queen St. W.) is the summer respite you so desperately needed. So go get soft serve and beer while you can. Note: Weekends only. Cashless.
An authentic Thai restaurant has taken over where Asada Mexican Grill used to be in Hillcrest Village. Chai Pochana (809 St Clair Ave. W.) offers a little bit of everything including an assortment of curries, Khao Soi, Spicy Basil Rice, BBQ Chicken, and Pad Ped Talay (stir-fried tiger shrimps, squid, onion, eggplant, long bean and pepper in spicy sauce).
Just up the street, El Tren Latino Restaurant and Bar (1157 St. Clair Ave. W.) karaoke, DJ nights, and drink specials.
ēst Restaurant (729 Queen St. E.) by Chef Sean MacDonald celebrates their grand opening on Tuesday, though doors have already quietly opened for the refined tasting menu eatery on the east side.
The Fourth Man in the Fire Pizzeria (832 Dundas St. W.) is serving up 18” classic American pizzas, alongside an array of drinks - Negroni ($6.50), Wine (gls $5), Miller High Life ($3.85) - in the former home of Campagnolo.
Yorkville Village (55 Avenue Rd.) welcomed healthy Indian chain Good Karma earlier this week.
Jack and Lil’s Commissary emerged Monday in a rather untraditional spot – in the alleyway of the NE Corner of St Clair Ave. W. and Humewood Dr. They’ve got coffee, chia cups, egg bites, breakfast burritos from 8am to 2pm.
Longo’s debuted Pronto Eats Monday. The 1,000 sq. ft. space in The PATH at Hudson’s Bay Centre (2 Bloor St. E., Unit C53) offers cooked meals and ready-to-go items. The cashless store is just steps away from The Market by Longo's (100 Bloor St. E.) above ground.
Doors opened Tuesday for the third outpost of NODO (1192 Queen St. E.). The Italian eatery takes over from previous occupant Lambretta Pizzeria - another Italian spot - who didn’t fare well at the Leslieville location, as did many of its predecessors.
And another one. Pi Co. just launched their 14th location in THE PATH - TD Centre Food Court (100 Wellington St. W.).
RGLR (548 Annette St.) has got you covered for great coffee and music at Annette and Runnymede.
Breakfast and lunch chain Sunny Morning (1903 Ironoak Way), has launched in Oakville’s Oakwoods Centre, where Farm Boy is.
CLOSED
After 25 years, the doors close for a final time this Sunday at Julie’s Cuban (202 Dovercourt Rd.)
Aviv Restaurant may have left their Dupont stomping grounds (328 Dupont St.), but they’ll be back shortly in Hillcrest Village (779 St. Clair Ave. W.).
Bad news: The Lansdowne location (616 Gladstone Ave.) Golden Gecko Café shuts down tomorrow. Good news: Their Baby Point outpost (282 Jane St.) will remain open - for at least another five years, thanks to their recent lease renewal.
Good Fork (2432 Bloor St. W.) will be saying goodbye to Bloor West Village on Wednesday, but will settle into their new digs (1550 Dundas St. W.) soon.
Greenhouse Juice Pop-Up that’s been running since last summer at the Exchange Tower (130 King St. W.) will cease tomorrow. Don’t panic - they’ve still got spots in Brookfield Place, Union Station, First Canadian Place, and inside the Saks Food Hall at The CF Eaton Centre.
Home of Hot Taste (658 Bloor St. W.) will soon be the new home of North York’s Daldongnae Korean BBQ.
Ichiban Sushi (58 Wellington St. E.) is papered up behind the construction barriers that have overtaken the area for months now.
Mean Bao’s Leslieville location (181A Carlaw Ave.) shuttered Saturday. Their lease was up so they’re moving – not far, just a few blocks west (phew) - next to Hi-Lo. Bao and beer? Yaaaaassss.
New Thai Restaurant (81 St. Clair E.) has closed in the Yonge and St. Clair ‘hood. A handwritten sign on the door states the “Landlord will take a [sic] place back. We apologize for your convenience.”
There’s a Notice of Distress posted by bailiffs on the door of Schnitzel Hub (1415 Yonge St.) at Yonge and St. Clair.
Shamone Bar’s (2952 Dundas St. W.) last day is tomorrow. The building is being redeveloped.
EVENTS
Head to Downsview Park this weekend for Rib Jerk and BBQ Fest.
Muslim Fest kicks off tomorrow at Mississauga Celebration Square.
The Toronto Caribbean Street Food Festival takes over Daniel’s Spectrum on Saturday.
NEWS
Chick-fil-A is almost here, but not everyone is on board.
The first cannabis restaurant in California opens in September. It won’t be long before one opens here.
KFC is getting in on the plant-based trend.
Pumpkin spice szn has arrived. You’ve been warned.
Speaking of brews, for the first time Beer Store locations will be open on Labour Day. Sixty-four, to be exact.
Bar sales are down.
ICYMI
Sweet Trolley Bakery is one of the best bakeries in the city. Find out what makes it so exceptional.
The Drake Hotel has had sushi on the dinner menu since Day One. That was over 15 years ago. Finally, it’s arrived for the lunch crowd! Discover what’s on the menu now.
Get the must-have cocktail recipe of summer – Superfly Spritz!
P.S.
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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Want to partner with Toronto Restaurants? Send me an email. writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com