Open/Closed: week of June 28-July 4, 2018
The long weekend has finally arrived, and with it 11 new spots, some shocking closings, and important news and events (hint: buying booze on Canada Day is now a thing).
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Iconic Jamaican restaurant Allwyn's Bakery has expanded to Etobicoke (976 The Queensway).
Starting Wednesday, you can enjoy “contemporary Asian gastropub” fare at ANIQ (403 Roncesvalles Ave).
Home of the slogan, “You won’t not like it here,” Birky's Bar (1592 Queen St. W.) is your headquarters for all things World Cup.
“New generation of Hong Kong bakery” Bake Island (374 Yonge St.) showcases buns (Japanese Taro, Carrot Goji, Cheese Carbon), breads (Taiwan Shredded Pork, Canadian Bacon Cheese, Sausage Bacon Onion), pastries, pies, and donuts, right in the downtown core.
Burgers Park (10 William Sylvester Dr.) in North York might bring to mind a certain American chain, thanks to a familiar logo, and menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, spicy “chik’n,” crinkle cut fries, and milkshakes.
The Fortunate Fox debuted yesterday in the Annex’s new Kimpton Saint George Hotel (280 Bloor St. W.). Calling itself a “hip gastropub,” you’ll find classic British pub fare [Scotch Egg ($6), Fish & Chips ($19), Mac & Cheese ($14), Chicken Pot Pie ($16)] alongside lighter selections [House Chop Salad ($12), Tuna Tartare ($14), Asparagus Pizzette ($14)]. Looking for an activity? Participate in “Bingo & Bourbon” on Mondays, trivia night on Wednesdays, and karaoke on Sundays.
Le Viet Asian Cuisine (3260 Midland Ave., Unit F112), by the owners of Dows Hot Pot Restaurant (350 Highway 7 East, Unit 105), softly opens today.
The grand opening of Milkcow (2651 Yonge St.) takes place this Saturday at 1:30pm. Be one of the first 100 customers and receive a free Milky Way Ice Cream. Limit one per person.
Take note: Mumma's Burritos (7070 St. Barbara Blvd., Unit 64) is not your average Mexican grill. All of the ingredients used are “fully traceable from the producer to your plate.” And it’s not all burritos either. Choose from quesadillas, tacos, nachos, soup, salad, and three desserts including churros.
King West just got a “neighbourhood bar with fresh and familiar eats” in Petty Cash (487 Adelaide St. W.). Doors open tomorrow.
Looking for healthy choices in the Yonge & Richmond area? The first Toronto location of Tractor Foods (151 Yonge St.) which launched yesterday, has got you covered with a range of grilled proteins, bowls (Grilled Avocado, Seared Albacore, Short Rib), soups, stews (Thai Veggie, Moroccan Chicken), salads, sides and snacks.
CLOSED
August would have been the first anniversary for The Anne Boleyn (287 Richmond St. W.). The British pub shuttered suddenly Tuesday.
Leslieville residents are stunned by the “Gone Fishing” sign on chef Rodney Bower’s restaurant, Bunny’s (912 Queen St. E.).
Established in 2016, Jackpot Chicken Rice (318 Spadina Ave.) closed Sunday. More projects from the owners of Patois (794 Dundas St. W.) are in the works, including an opening this summer, and other happenings in 2019.
Karma’s Kitchen (300 College St.) is all boarded up.
Mr. Flamingo (1265 Dundas St. W.) is closed until August 1.
Sandy Aleksander Fine Food (1183A Queen St. E.) says a final farewell Saturday at 6 pm.
NEWS
Congratulations to celebrity chef Lynn Crawford and chef Lora Kirk of Ruby Watchco (730 Queen St. E.) - The Hearth by Lynn Crawford at Toronto Pearson International Airport was named the best “Airport Casual Dining Restaurant” IN THE WORLD at the 2018 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference and Awards in Helsinki.
Earlier this week, Seedlip – the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit - unveiled N o l o ® by Seedlip, the first No & Low ABV bar concept, which focuses on a drink's flavour rather than alcohol content. Launching in 16 cities around the world this July, Toronto’s own Pretty Ugly Bar (1237 Queen St. W.) made the prestigious list. Stay tuned.
Best news ever: The LCBO and The Beer Store are open Canada Day.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, the “Best Bars in Toronto” are...
Find out if Toronto made The Top 50 Foodie Capitals Of The World list by Bott & Co Solicitors out of the U.K.
The second restaurant in my popular #SummerhillxRestoPopUp series was revealed yesterday. Find out what’s on the menu for July.
Fearless Meat in the Beach is the target of vegan protestors.
EVENT
Union Summer returns this Sunday until August 19.
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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.