Open/Closed: week of December 7-13, 2017
The scramble to open doors before Christmas is in full effect – say hello to a whopping 19 new openings this week.
Here’s the very latest:
OPENINGS
Michelin-Star Chef Akira Back’s eponymous Akira Back Toronto, his first Canadian restaurant, debuts tonight at Bisha Hotel (80 Blue Jays Way)
The Junction’s Alcove Coffee (34 Cawthra Ave.) kicks off today at 7:30 am.
Get your java and vinyl fix simultaneously at record store/café Antikka (960 Queen St. W.). Grand opening is Saturday.
Bella’s Inasal (848 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., Building 1) in Mississauga is home to Inasal, a Filipino chicken dish made with native coconut vinegar, lemongrass, calamansi juice and other seasonings.
Doors open Saturday for Convenience Resto Bar (1184 Queen St. W.).
CRAFT Beer Market (1 Adelaide St. E.) launched the first Toronto location yesterday, complete with two-storeys, 400 seats, and 160 taps. Stay tuned for a closer look.
Green Tea Restaurant, one of the most popular casual dining brands in China, is launching the first location outside the country. Their famous Chinese fusion cuisine will be available in Markham (3235 Hwy 7 East, Unit 18) starting Saturday. During the soft opening, dine early and enjoy 50 per cent off your entire meal.
Islas Filipino Bar & BBQ (1690 Queen St. W.) opens tomorrow in Parkdale.
Glatt kosher Indian pop-up Jacobs Curry is happening at Jacob’s Deli (1470 Centre St.) in Thornhill. Menu items include Egg Roll Samosas ($7.99), General Patel Chicken ($16.99), and Chana Masala ($12.99).
New culinary space and food incubator Kitchen 24 (100 Marmora St., Suite 200) is now open.
Tired of the same ol’ lunch? Head to Commerce Court Food Court (199 Bay St.) to tuck into Korean BBQ bowls, poké bowls and bao buns at Koha Kitchen in the PATH.
Brunch and shopping just got a lot easier thanks to Kwan Dim Sum’s new location at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr.) in the upper level Taste Mrkt.
Resto-bar Loch and Quay (390 Queens Quay W.) is serving up Poké Bowls, Sweet Potato Tacos, and Kobb Salad.
Dance, drink and dine your way through the night at Mrs Robinson (574 College St. W.). Doors open tomorrow.
Parka Food Co. (424 Queen St. W.) launches today, specializing in “wickedly indulgent yet wholesome, vegetable-based comfort food.” Stay tuned.
Danforth Music Hall just got a sleek new bar. And lucky for us, it’s located right next door. Dinner and a show? Absolutely. Introducing Danforth Sidebar (161 Danforth Ave.).
Get your game on midtown at Snakes & Lattes (45 Eglinton Ave. E.) latest location.
From lasagna to paella, stew to steak, Scarborough’s Spice Mediterranean Fusion (1559 Kingston Rd.) has something for everyone.
Sushi Mori Japanese Restaurant (30 Eglinton Ave. E.) offers Japanese and Korean selections.
NEWS
Toronto restaurateur Janet Zuccarini (owner of Gusto 54, Gusto 101, Trattoria Nervosa, Pai, Kiin, and Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen) continues her winning streak with LA outpost Felix Trattoria earning top spot, ‘Restaurant of the Year’ by Eater LA.
Patrick Kriss, chef/owner of Alo Restaurant being the first Canadian restaurant to crack the top 100 of French-based La Liste. The restaurant review aggregator lists the 1,000 top-rated restaurants in the world.
Chef Jonathan Gushue (formerly of The Berlin in Kitchener) has been named new executive chef for the prestigious Fogo Island Inn.
Kinka Family launched popular chains Kinka Izakaya and Kinton Ramen in Seoul.
Freshii Introduces COFFII, calling it “The Best $1 Cup in the World.”
FYI: Miller High Life, the “champagne of beer,” is now available in Canada.
It’s Your Shift is a free online training course to combat sexual violence and harassment for those working in hospitality including restaurants, bar hotels.
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