Open/Closed: week of April 5-11, 2018
Winter doldrums got you down? I’ve got just the thing to cheer you up: a whack of new restos - 13 to be exact – including a ton of healthy, plant-based options, as well as more indulgent choices of fried chicken, waffles and cupcakes.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Away Kitchen + Café (680 College St.) - brought to you by the Awai team (2277 Bloor St. W.) - has softly opened.
Boon Burger started in Winnipeg, Manitoba back in 2010. “Canada's first all vegan burger café” has since launched locations across Ontario including Guelph, Hamilton, Barrie, and Burlington, with the latest launching in Oakville (497 Dundas St. W., Unit 1).
Calii Love spreads its “good vibes” all the way to the Front Street Promenade of Union Station. Doors opened Monday.
Love craft beer? Head to craft beer-focused bar Escape Goat (1510 Queen St. W.) at Queen and Landsdowne.
Greek fare returns to the Danforth with Gazi MezeBar (511 Danforth Ave.), opening tonight. Inspired by the trendy ‘Gazi’ neighbourhood in Athens, expect fresh fish imported from Greece, award-winning Greek wines, and Hellenic dishes such as Sarmades (brined cabbage leaves, Carolina rice, pancetta, spearmint) and Paidakia, featuring hand-cut Ontario lamb chops with oregano, lemon, and fresh thyme.
Crispy fried chicken is the name of the game at Gdous (223 Spadina Ave.)
Ottawa's “fav” HK Waffles hit Scarborough this weekend with the arrival of Golden Bubbles (3276 Midland Ave., Unit C125). The soft opening Sat and Sun includes a free waffle dessert, available in-store from 1-3pm.
Toronto’s had conveyor belt sushi in the past, but not with a mini monorail attached to it. Fill your face – and insta feed - at Hana Sushi (21 Grenville St.).
Kingsmen Pub and Grill’s second location had landed in Scarborough (41 Milner Ave.).
Enjoy Hong Kong waffles and tea at One Pear Cafe (201 Dundas St. W.).
Another spot on the Danforth this week: Pots & Pans Eatery (337 Danforth Ave.).
If you thought the cupcake trend was over, think again. Get homemade gourmet mini-cakes at Pretty Little Cupcakes at Queen and Jarvis (129 Queen St. E.)
Ordering at Mississauga’s new Skewers Mediterranean Gourmet Grill (723 Lakeshore Rd. E.) will require you to say dishes including: Fat Uncle Kabab, Diva Chicken Tawooq, and Naughty Chops.
CLOSED
Village Pie (337 Danforth Ave.) has shuttered.
NEWS
Bring on the carbonara! A U of T study says eating pasta can help you lose weight.
PB&J, a dating app for foodies, launched this week.
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Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Let me know – writerscramp@stephaniedickison.com.