OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News February 17-23, 2022

Photo courtesy of Saint Island Pies.

My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday.

🕘 7.5 min read

Capacity limits at bars and restaurants are a thing of the past (fingers crossed) today. It’s the long weekend. And you’ve got 17 new destinations to give a whirl. This is more like it.

And stay tuned – more news ahead in The Tip Off, exclusively available in the TR Newsletter. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

The Alley unveiled new concept store The Alley Hub in Richmond Hill (8750 Bayview Ave., Unit 1) late last week, complete with areas for work or study. Bonus: Enjoy 15 per cent off drinks off our drink menu until February 20. In-store purchases only.

Find Vietnamese delights such as banh mi ($11), vermicelli bowls ($14), fried chicken boars ($11), viet donuts ($11), and taco peking bo kho ($12, avail Tues-Thurs) at Banh Haus (81 Huron St.) in Chinatown tucked below late night café, Lait Night.

The Bullger doesn’t play. Four locations in less than two years. Psst. The latest burger joint softly opens tomorrow. Find them in Scarborough at Ellesmere & Pharmacy (116 Ellesmere Rd.). Discover the rest of the roster.

Hot tip: Burger Factory opened Tuesday at Dundas and Dixie in Mississauga (1370 Dundas St. E.). Don’t miss the grand opening on Saturday: Cheeseburgers will be half price.

Crumbs Gourmet Patties has made Kensington Market home (160 Baldwin St., Unit 7B). Doors opened yesterday.

Cyphers Café (3505 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 3) claims to be “GTA’s first Halal breakfast brunch lunch dinner fine dining restaurant café lounge.” The Oakville eatery debuted mid-November. 

Obvs Keep W!ngin It (2075 Danforth Ave.) at Woodbine and Danforth has got you for drums and flats, but there’s burgers (Wagyu Burger/Smash Burger $14.99/$12.99), fries (Plain $5.99, Dill $7.99, Gar Parm $8.49 Loaded $7.99, Spicy Loaded $8.49, Sweet Potato $8.49) and other pub style fare on offer. Doors opened Saturday.

ISO authentic Desi fare? Look no further than Rajdhani Sweets and Restaurant (5390 Terry Fox Way, Unit 2) in Mississauga.

Saint Island Pies left their Dundas West digs last month. Psst. Head to Parkdale’s Ahma (1564 Queen St. W.) that I introduced you to a few weeks ago. Pies are out back - back alley laneway off Sorauren Ave.

Sam’s Juices landed at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr.) in December. The beachfront snack bar boasts refreshing bevvies, patties, and jerk chicken sandos.

Sansotei Ramen’s growth across the GTA has been steady these last years, including a debut right before the pandemic. Hot tip: Find the latest at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) in the Urban Eatery.

From offerings to décor, Scarborough’s Shu Kingdom General Hotpot (390 Silver Star Blvd., Unit 132-137) in Scarborough is all about opulence.

Big ups to Sushi Sama for the launch of their 30th outpost and first in the GTA: 1763 Avenue Rd. in North York.

You’ve been on the TasteT House journey with me for a while now. Discover the latest Basil Box on-site bubble tea shop at Yonge & Finch (5607 Yonge St.). Soft opening spesh: 25 per cent off all drinks every day 12pm-10pm.

When The Pig Came Home was a staple in The Junction on Dundas West for years. Check out their new spot not far away at Dundas and Keele (384 Keele St.).

Speaking of wings, Wings Stall Bar & Grill kicked off their new home at Danforth and Donlands (937 Danforth Ave.) December 21. And despite the name, wings make up just a portion of the extensive menu.                                                                                                      

Little Sister Portland’s new speakeasy XXX (102 Portland St.) boasts cocktails, bar snacks and light apps. But with 20 seats and no resos – first come, first serve - you’ll have to act fast. But not just anyone is allowed entry. Tip: Ask the host/bartender on the main floor for a playing card. Cards change daily to keep things interesting.

CLOSED

Little AAA (1276 Queen St. E.) shuttered in Leslieville., but Big AAA (138 Adelaide St. E.) is in full effect. 

Southern Creole eatery Roux (2790 Dundas St. W.) has been a fixture in the Junction for 13 years. You’ve got ‘til Sunday brunch to say goodbye.

Bad news: Sushi Kira (67 Roncesvalles Ave.) is closing up shop as of Saturday. Good news: Sister resto AKAI Sushi (168 Major St.) is open, has an almost identical menu as well as dine-in, and Sushi Kira customers get to enjoy special discounts.

Wimpy’s Diner (116 Ellesmere Rd.) in Scarborough has been replaced – see above. The local diner chain known for its burgers, breakfasts, retro vibe, and juke boxes has many locations across Ontario including Toronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, Markham, and Scarborough.

EVENTS

Richmond Hill’s Winterlicious features 13 participating  establishments and has been extended to February 28.

There’s still time to enjoy Stackt Market’s Hot Chocolate Fest.

You’ve got the rest of the month to get in on the Ocean Wise Seafood Festival.

Taste of Oakville is on until March 10.

Tickets are on sale now for The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival.

NEWS

The food inflation rate is the highest it’s been in years.

David's Tea was in hot water earlier this week. The company tweeted a response Tuesday morning followed by another that same evening.

A car smashed through the front of Supermoon Cheesecakes on Valentine’s Day in Mississauga, but all’s good: Operations were back up and running the next day, and a caption contest launched today.

Do you have any information about these local restaurant break-ins?

ICYMI

Head to Toronto Restaurants on Facebook or Instagram and show your favourite date night spots some love! #ShareTheLoveTO

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast: I wrote about +100 new arrivals in January alone.  Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.  

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

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