Toronto Restaurants by Stephanie Dickison

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Open/Closed: week of April 27-May 3, 2017

This week’s 10 new spots include a slew of coffee and booze options just in time for the weekend. Perfect.

Here’s the very latest:

OPENINGS

Craving caffeine at Queen and Spadina? The Alternative Café (439 Richmond St. W.) has got you covered with a variety of bevvies and locally-sourced food and pastries.

Cozy café by day, Brickyard Bistro (1289 Gerrard St. E.) will soon add dinner service to its roster, including booze by way of Ontario wines, craft brews, and cocktails.

Sidling up next to The Broadview HotelEastbound Brewing Co. (700 Queen St. E.), which boasts a 50 ft. bar and enticing menu by Chef Tara Lee, including: Crispy Pastrami Beef Cheek ($14), Chicken-Fried Calamari ($14) and Lamb Meatball Grinder ($16).

Taking over the former NAO Steakhouse space, Estia (90 Avenue Rd.) has moved into Yorkville with Chef Ben Heaton at the helm. Taking its cues from Spain, Southern Italy and Greece, the family-style menu features half and whole portions of Tortelloni (half $14, whole $25), Wood Oven Chicken (half $28, whole $55) and Lamb Cutlets (half $45, whole $90). Stay tuned.

Juan Gonzalez Tacqueria (811 Queen St. W.) boasts tacos, paletas, and their own line of aguas frescas.

Had your fill of typical Thai fare? Head to Lao Thai (4 Gladstone Ave.) for authentic Laotian Thai cuisine, a slight twist on what you’re used to. I’ll have a closer look soon.

First Canadian Place’s newest java destination, Mos Mos Coffee (100 King St. W.), offers coffees galore, as well as breakfast, lunch, and pastry options. Find them in the Food Exchange, Concourse Level.

The grand opening of NishDish (690 Bloor St. W.) takes place tomorrow. The extensive menu of traditional Anishnawbe fare includes nine soups, eight salads, eight mains (options include venison, elk, bison, pheasant, buffalo, and variety of fish), five sides, and 11 desserts.

Liberty Village just got poké. ‘Ono Poke Bar (100 Western Battery Rd.) is now open to fulfill all your poké cravings.

Toro Wine Bar & Tapas (1588 Dundas St. W.) “softly” opens tomorrow.

NEWS

You’ll be able to get a beer with that Chalupa at select Toronto Taco Bell locations this summer.

Were you one of the folks trying to get a can of the always sold out Georgian Bay Gin Smash last summer? You’re in luck: 1. the award-winning Canadian craft distiller just released Georgian Bay Vodka Smash, available at the LCBO now. 2. Co-founder Denzil Wadds says the company’s “more than tripled” their stock this summer.

Enjoy free mini meat pies at North Shore Pie Co. (43 Roncesvalles Ave.) on Saturday from 11am-3pm.

Can’t wait to see The Broadview Hotel? Take a virtual tour.

Catering in the 6ix just got a serious upgrade thanks to the recent launches of:
-  Drake Catering
Victor Dries by Chris Brown (founder/chef of Citizen Catering) and Grant van Gameren (founder/chef of Bar IsabelBar Raval)

- Canada’s first ever celebrity chef catering service - CHEFS BY 10TATION - with Toronto’s Cory Vitiello (FLOCK Rotisserie & Greens), Calgary’s John Jackson and Connie DeSousa (CHARCUT Roast Housecharbar) ,and Montreal’s Michele Forgione (ImpastoChez TousignantPizzeria Gema).


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