Open/Closed for the week of December 7-13

With just a few weeks until the holiday, you’re going to have squeeze in some time for these new restaurants and drinking spots. Because just look at how many there are this week alone.

Here’s the very latest:

Open:

Barnsteiner's 
1 Balmoral Ave.

You heard it here first - Herbert and Michelle Barnsteiner’s long-awaited restaurant has arrived just in time for the holidays! Woo woo!

I’ll have a closer look soon.

Dublin Calling Party Pub & Kitchen
55 Colborne St.

It’s been a loooong time since anyone’s moved into to 55 Colborne.

Part pub, part party spot, you now have a spot to let loose in the otherwise well-reserved area of St. Lawrence Market.

The Grand Trunk
1718 Queen St. W.

Calling itself “Old Parkdale’s New Watering Hole,” The Grand Trunk carries tons of local brews, including JRs Dry Organic Canadian Gin. Glug, glug.

Kupfert & Kim
140 Spadina Ave.

If you’re looking for scrumptious meatless and wheatless options, this is the place to be.  Choose from insanely healthy brekkie options, boxes, burgers and chilis.

Who says the holidays can’t be healthy?

I’ll Be Seeing You…
747 Queen St. E.

Sister duo Vanessa and Natasha Smardenka have opened a charming bar in Riverside offering drinks and a small menu. 

You'll not only want to return - you'll want to redecorate after your visit here.

Jamie’s Italian 
3401 Dufferin St.

Jamie Oliver’s first restaurant in Canada opened its doors on Tuesday. I got a sneak peek Monday night. Take a look. 

Saku Toronto
478 Queen St. W.

Hub Sushi Japanese Fusion that was up on Yonge and Clark in Thornhill has relocated to the downtown core with larger establishment Saku.

Owner/Chef Joey Ham’s menu features classic sushi and rolls, lunch and dinner sets, but you’ll find some surprises in here, like the Kimchi Cheese Arancini. Stay tuned.

The Shmooz 
590 Pape Ave.

Located just 4 block south of the Danforth, The Shmooz is having its grand opening this Saturday from 9am to 7pm, with a "soft-opening" starting today.

Open seven days a week, this neighbourhood cafe is a place to gather with friends, family and bring the kids.  The menu features coffee, tea, "shmoozies" (smoothies), soups, salads in jars, sandwiches, baked goods and come spring, fresh scooped ice cream.

Peasant Table Gastropub 
782 Queen St. E.

Table 17’s former location has got a new owner, menu and a fresh coat of white paint. They're opening this Saturday for dinner starting at 5pm.

I’ll have a closer look soon.

Closed:

I JUST wrote about Return to Oss opening in mid-October and they have already closed. There’s something else already in there and soon to open. Watch here for updates.

Events:

Foodies on Foot is one of the city’s best food event companies. Head Honcho Steven Hellman always put together fabulous creative events with carefully curated artisan and entrepreneurs. So this Sunday, be sure to head to The Best Elfin’ Christmas Market from 11am – 7pm.  This free Christmas pop-up at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. E.) will feature over 30 top artisans from across Ontario. This holiday, support artisans, buy local, and give gifts with meaning with a wide selection offood, fashion, cosmetics, crafts, jewelry, and more.  In addition, there’s a section with hot gourmet food, local beverages, and music. Go for an hour or spend the day at this wonderful event.

Want to escape the city madness? Go for a Culinary Country Getaway at Mad Maple Inn, Azzurra Trattoria, Scandinave Spa with Pass The Table.

The Toronto Christmas Market at The Distillery continues.

And lastly:

Etobicoke's first cold-press juicery The Fix + Co. has opened. And it’s spectacular. 

Servers, bartenders and anyone who gets tips - keep the change. 

Get the party started with these cocktails made for the holidays, complete with recipes. 

What is espresso? The answers will surprise you. Find out more in this month’s coffee column. 

Check out our holiday guide for all your party-planning needs and this week’s Best Of for where to host your private holiday party.