OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News March 17-23, 2022

Photo courtesy of Halaleez Chicken & Gyro.

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #ifyouknowyouknow

 🕘 11 min read 

What a week. Daylight Savings Time. Nowruz. Purim. Holi. March Break. Not one, but two St. Patrick’s Days (see below). The first day of spring. Today, March 17 2022, however is a date that will forever burned into my brain. Two years ago, after being urged to shut down by public health officials, restaurants were ordered to close dining rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What we all thought was a passing crisis that would last a mere few weeks, has completely upended our world and the industry.

Since then, I have been working overtime to report on the changes, launch initiatives to help keep businesses open, and tracking the flurry of comings and goings in my iconic OPEN/CLOSED every week. Despite things slowly getting ‘back to normal,’ as my findings below demonstrate, there’s still a dizzying amount of arrivals, closures, name changes, fundraisers, and flurry of news and events.

The industry is far from recovering from all of this, so please support local businesses whenever possible.

In the meantime, here’s the very latest:

OPEN

The newest member of the Playa Cabana fam launches today. Introducing Barrio Coreano (690 Euclid Ave.) around the corner from its old location on Bloor West.

Cabbagetown stalwart Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament St.) has found a new home – across the street (560 Parliament St.). You’d never know the bright, spacious dining room was formerly a Pizza Pizza. Doors opened yesterday. 

Halaleez Chicken & Gyro of Whitby has brought its signature cheesesteaks, wings, burgers, wings, falafels, and just added to the menu, Hot Cheetos Platter, to Victoria Park and Eglinton (1733 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 5).

Hello Coffee (800 Bloor St. W.), nestled next to Christie Pits Park in Bloorcourt, just debuted. Don’t miss the grand opening this Saturday with $2 brews.

Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian restaurant Karma’s Kitchen in Gerrard India Bazaar (1411 Gerrard St. E.) has added an outpost in the St. Lawrence Market ‘hood (140 Esplanade, Unit 4).

Kisha’s Tropical Cuisine (106 Queen St. E.) has arrived in Moss Park with a bevy of Caribbean fare including King Fish ($13.99), Curry Goat Roti ($14.99), and Ackee & Saltfish ($18.49).

Grand opening celebrations for Mikaku Udon Bar (360 Highway 7 E, Unit 10) in Richmond Hill took place March 1. Fun fact: It’s by the folks behind Asian fusion sake bar Mikaku Izakaya (6180 Yonge St.) in North York.

Head to Mr. John’s Real Kerala Kitchen (1168 Kennedy Rd.) for South Indian fish curries, biryani, nadan pork ularthiyathu, snacks and more. Doors opened December 23. 

Pan-Fried Buns (189 Dundas St. W.) replaces Impression 1915 - which debuted right around this time last year. An assortment of  buns, dumplings, and congee are readily available alongside dishes including Shan Xi Cold Noodle, Pan-Fried Leek & Egg Pie, Shredded Seaweed Salad, and Tasty Sausage.

Reset Coffee Bar (222 Copper Creek Dr.) in Markham does coffee, tea, brunch and baked goods. Insider’s tip: Enjoy a complimentary freshly baked madeleine with every drink order. 

Scarborough Buffet (1221 Markham Rd.) shuttered last year, with plans to reopen at an address not far away. Things got off to a slow start, thanks to the pandemic but the all-you-can-eat (AYCE) restaurant finally has a new home and name. Introducing Mr. Wong Chinese Restaurant (91 Rylander Blvd., Unit 1016 AB). Doors opened last month.

Smash burgers are the name of the game at Simple Burger across the street from Christie Pits Park (735 Bloor St. W.). The burger joint debuted December 10. 

SnackTown: Exotic Sodas & Munchies out of Quebec has taken over Meow Cat Café’s former digs near Davisville (556 Mount Pleasant Rd.) and set up shop in Markham (7665 Kennedy Rd.) with everything from sweet to sour to salty to satiate the munchies.

Wavey Ceviches (3700 Eglinton Ave. W.) in Mississauga softly launched this weekend. In addition to the signature fish cured in lime, the menu offers a variety of dishes and desserts, including deep-fried seafood, beef stir-fry, empanadas, tequeños and alfajores.

Find the latest Zaza Espresso Bar in Brookfield Place (181 Bay St., Concourse Level). The Financial District location opened in the PATH in January and will come in handy once you’re back in the office.

CHANGES 

New year, new you. Namwan (713 Gerrard St. E.) in East Chinatown is now Lamoon Thai  Café.

Cabbagetown’s Qi Sushi (358 Gerrard Ave.) shuttered at the end of last summer, swiftly replaced with a business of the same name. The new moniker, Kimchi Express, better reflects the menu featuring Korean fare such as Soon-Tofu Stew ($10.99), Japache Bap ($12.99) and Doukboki ($12.99), though Japanese items remain.

CLOSED

Betty’s General, née City Betty (1352 Danforth Ave.), shuttered earlier this week.

Fanzone Wings & Ribs (1168 Kennedy Rd.) has been closed for some time. See who’s moved in above.

Naan Kabob (formerly Naan & Kabob) launched Cubby Smart Kitchen (106 Queen St. E.) in Moss Park last fall. “Canada's first Smart Kitchen” offered guests “five tantalizing menus” in “one extraordinary concept” with self-serve order kiosks and food cubbies, was seemingly made for times like these.   

Impression 1915 (189 Dundas St. W.) has come and gone, and already been replaced. See above.

LJS Khasos Restaurant + Bar (507 Parliament St.) opened in Cabbagetown last summer in what was home for Peartree Restaurant for decades. A Baliff’s Notice has been posted on the window.

Despite the catchy name, WingBurger has closed up shop in North York (1733 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 5).

The time for the Danforth branch of Zaza Espresso Bar (320 Danforth Ave.) has come to a close, but others remain open to serve you - including the new one above. Psst. Fresh Restaurants is taking over the spot in The Big Carrot Community Market.

EVENTS

While The Kingston Social House has come to a close, Chef Mike Beck is back at it this weekend. Tuck into a Smoked Brisket Big Mac, Beer Braised Pulled Pork Burrito, Portobello Pastrami on Rye and much more Saturday 11am-6pm at Common Good Beer Company (475 Ellesmere Rd.)

Are you celebrating both St. Patrick’s Days this year?

NEWS

Sally Schmitt, founder of French Laundry, has died. She was 90 years old.

Chowhound had a good long run. Psst. You’ve got Toronto Restaurants now.

If you’re a small, independent restaurant in West Queen West, you’re in luck.

You’ve got until April 2 to register for the City of Toronto’s CaféTO program.

The mask mandate ends Monday. Are you ready?

Eco-friendly drinks are a hot topic this week with the arrival of wine in a paper bottle and a wonky looking coffee cup.

Is chickpea ice cream next?

What would Julia Child think?

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to know: Alice Tam, owner/baker of virtual dessert shop Soft Dough Co., has partnered with three other POC-led bakeries - LÀ LÁ Bakeshop, New Pie Co., and The Night Baker - to showcase seven bestselling confections. The Dream Set, containing an assortment of cakes, cookies, and pies, is available for a limited time only, so act fast. Pro tip: Have a pair of stretchy pants on hand, if you're not living in them already.

Subscribers also got first dibs on this nugget: HotBlack Coffee just opened a third location in Midtown a few months back. Psst, a fourth is about to drop. Find the newest outpost of the award-winning coffee/bottle shop at Yonge & Bloor (15 Charles St. E.) starting April 1. Fun fact: Guests from The Anndore House hotel next door can access the coffee shop directly via a side entrance.

ICYMI

Looking for ways you can help Ukraine? Discover fabulous fundraisers by local chefs and restaurants. 

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in February alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Need help promoting your business? Get started now.

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