OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News July 13-19 2023
The 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. #iykyk
🕘 7 min read
This week’s 15 arrivals are a fascinating bunch, offering a respite from the recent fine dining frenzy (read: pricey nights out) and a chance to explore enticing fare and global flavours, all without breaking the bank.
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Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
ISO matcha, coffee, and soft serve? Head to Daigyo Café‘s grand opening at Scarborough’s Skycity Shopping Centre (3278 Midland Ave., Unit D121) this weekend for BOGO free select items. This marks the second location for the Japanese brand.
Following a debut in Midtown late last year, Forest Hill Farmhouse brings its fresh salads to the east end with a delivery/pick-up outpost in Leslieville (1130 Queen St. E.). Both locations are adjacent to Dave’s Hot Chicken. Coincidence? It turns out it’s a family affair: FHF Founder Blair Bitove happens to be VP of Bite Brands Ltd. (formerly Obelysk Foods Ltd.), “Leading the development for Dave's Hot Chicken Canada” - the American chicken chain her father, businessman and founder of the Toronto Raptors, John Bitove, brought to Canada - with three currently in Toronto. As for the mixed greens co., stay tuned: It too is set to expand with more locations across the 6ix.
Get on it: Asian iron pot stew specialist out of Los Angeles Happy Valley Village is in soft opening in Scarborough (3700 Midland Ave., Unit 113-115).
Hiya Scone and Coffee arrives in Little Portugal (1389 Dundas St. W.) with what else? The eponymous cakey treat - both sweet and savoury selections - alongside coffee and tea.
Grand opening festivities for the fifth iHalo Krunch took place in Greektown (620 Danforth Ave.) Saturday. Did you know? The local ice cream shop made waves back in the day (2017) with their black soft serve (courtesy of activated charcoal), still part of their signature lineup today.
Union Station (65 Front St. W.) launched Union Market - a new destination filled with an array of local food shops - in May. More concepts quickly followed. The latest addition: Kibo Sushi House’s second Kibo Market (Unit 434) boasting Asian drinks, packages noodles, as well as prepared items to go including maki, sushi and bento boxes.
From popcorn to corn dogs, King Corn is your one-stop shop for all things maize. Check out their new digs at two Mississauga malls: Dixie Outlet Mall (1250 S Service Rd.) open now; starting tomorrow, Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Pkwy).
Psst. Kokoria hidden inside Mississauga’s Sushi in Sushi (2310 Battleford Rd., Unit 5) was made for Korean fried chicken and tteokboki lovers.
Lil E Coffee Café kicked off yesterday at Yonge and St. Clair (2 St. Clair Ave.W.) with a variety of snacks, smoothies and other sippers. The concept out of Calgary gives job opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while simultaneously teaching life skills. The inspiration? Founder/Director Paul Constance’s daughter Ella, who has Down syndrome. “She makes it easy to be passionate and determined to make this dream come to fruition,” he says.
Seafood boils and bubble tea are the focus at Mermaids Find at Oakwood and Eglinton (1550 Eglinton Ave. E.).
Old.K Chicken Burgers’ second location touched down at College and Spadina (310 College St.). Find the original poultry joint in North York (142 Willowdale Ave., Unit 1).
Ruumors Resto-Lounge (3466 Dundas St. W.), Etobicoke’s new Afro-fusion social house, is the spot for Nigerian specialties including Egusi Soup, Ewa Agoyin and Efo Riro.
Head to Swagat Dosa Hut at World Food Market (335 Yonge St.) for South Indian fare (dosa, idli, vada and chutney, gulab jamun) and thirst quenchers (nannari, lemon soda, lassi).
Wvrst is on a roll: First, a launch in the east end. Now, part of the lineup of local restaurant virtual kitchens at Kitchen Hub Food Hall.
CLOSED
On Monday Asa Copithorne and plant-based chef Anchan Chaiyakul, proprietors of popular Thai plant-based restaurant Mugi in The Annex (793 Bathurst St.), posted an announcement of closure: After four-and-a-half years, they’re relocating to Vancouver. Last day to say farewell is Sunday.
“Canada's first all éclair only” patisserie Nugateau (717 Queen St. W.) closed earlier this week. Don’t worry, it’s not for long or far - they’re simply moving up the street.
Pizza Pita (aka Pizza & Pita) in East York (977 O’Connor Dr.) has shuttered.
Headlines made the rounds this week that a fully licenced bar at Toronto Police headquarters (40 College St.), which many outside of the force didn’t know existed until recently, shut down.
NEWS
Various brands of caffeinated drinks have been recalled. [UPDATE 07.14.23: Ziyad Jameed Soup Starter Soup Base recalled due to undeclared milk.]
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