OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News September 1-7, 2022

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. #iykyk

🕘 9.5 min read

Labour Day weekend is already upon us (summer always whooshes by) but instead of feeling like it’s the end of the season, the sunshine and warm temps help keep the holiday vibes going. The extra day doesn’t hurt either.

This all comes in handy because you’ve got 21 new destinations and 40+ food festivals and events, not to mention last month’s arrivals, to explore.

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

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

From the folks behind GTA chain AiSushi comes AiDono (4907 Yonge St.). The North York eatery specializes in modern donburi, sukiyaki and Japanese wraps.

After two-and-a-half years in the Upper Beaches, Boukan (452 Kingston Rd.) is changing things up. The Haitian restaurant has partnered with Edible Bliss for a unique dining experience on the Danforth (774 Danforth Ave.) including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grand reopening for Boukan Edible Bliss is tonight (RSVP only), with doors open to the public Friday. FYI: TR Newsletter subscribers are already in the know.

Basil Box launched numerous outposts in the last year - some brick-and-mortar outfits, others virtual concepts. The Canadian chain serving up Southeast Asian fare just dropped two ghost kitchens: Etobicoke (2915 Bloor St. W.) and North York (900 Don Mills Rd.).

After debuting last summer, Brasa Peruvian Kitchen has been making its way across the city. Bloor West Village (2114 Bloor St. W.) is the latest nabe to get in on the fresh Peruvian bowls and salads. Did you know? For every store opened, the company donates $10,000 to Canadian non-profit Cuso International to “help reduce food insecurity in Peru by supporting urban farming projects.”

Broth bars were all the rage 2015-17. Ex-chef and former ad man Michael Scher is reinstating the trend with Brothworks featuring his nutrient-dense, collagen-packed sippers. Backed by Mark Cuban and with advice from Toronto's own chef Rob Gentile, the "world’s first nitrogen-infused broth bar" just debuted a micro dispensary in The PATH at TD Centre (66 Wellington St. W.). That's not all. Broths made with plant-based, poultry and meat bases come in wildly evocative concoctions: bbq and deli inspired (Smokehouse Chili, Reuben Sandwich), breakfast focused (Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Maple Pancakes), and even dessert tinged (Caramel Marble Cheesecake). Pro tip: Subscribe to the TR Newsletter. They got word first.

Chef Humberto Sanchez has a lot on his plate: Tapas and paella destination Bar Catalina, two catering companies (Over The Fire, Paelleros), food truck (Gourmet Guyz), and Chef Professor at George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (GBCHCA). Always in search of doing more, his artisanal bakery Cafe Panchita premieres Tuesday in Port Credit (152 Lakeshore Rd. E.).

Psst. After El Paisa’s successful pop-up last summer, Sarah and Javier’s tacos and Mexican street food have become a fixture on weekends across the street at Super Bargain’s CafeTO patio (441 Parliament St.).

This is a first. What was once a consumer electronics store in Midtown (Best Buy) has become Fairgrounds Public Racquet Club (2400 Yonge St.), home to one of the fastest rising sports. Pickleball courts with food and drinks by Home Appliances Food Co., and Tuesdays are free? What’s not to love?

Because summer is not over until you say it’s over, head to Gelato 41 in Gerrard Square (1000 Gerrard St. E.) for gelato, ice cream, coffee and pizza. This marks the second location in a mall for the gelateria: Find the original at Jane and Wilson in North York Sheridan Mall (1700 Wilson Ave.) .

Bubble tea chain Gong Cha is in serious growth mode: Their new waterfront outpost (23 Merchants' Wharf, Unit A) is the third to drop in three months.

Dim sum, seafood, grilled and barbecued fare are the focus at Markham’s Kings Field Chinese Cuisine (2910 Major Mackenzie Dr. E.). Set meals for groups featuring lobster, king crab and Peking Duck range from $198-$1568.

Kingyo Izakaya (51B Winchester St.) in Cabbagetown closed to commence renovations for a new concept last fall. Chef/owner Koji Zenimaru’s Japanese-inspired fish market with dine-in space, Kingyo Fisherman’s Market, is now open.

Kitchen Hub Food Hall came on the scene right before the pandemic, yet it doesn’t appear to have slowed them down. The latest iteration – the fourth in two years - opens inside Longo’s Liberty Village (1100 King St. W.) Tuesday. On the lineup: Cabano’s Comfort Food, Mandy’s, Pai, and Elia Herrera - executive chef and co-owner of Colibrí - and sister Marlene’s new Tecolote. Bonus: A sleek seating area.

The closure of Mercado Negro on St Clair last month was luckily short-lived: Find Mercado Takeout in their former Casa Portuguesa digs (682 Caledonia Rd.). Doors open today.

Noodle Legend (5289 Yonge St.) just south of Finch has got you for soup, noods of course, and grilled hot dogs fresh off the roller.

Just in time for the cooler weather: Tabi Ramen (568 Parliament St., Lower Level) in Cabbagetown.

Taverniti Group (Trattoria Taverniti, Rosina Ristorante, and Tav’s Resto Bar that debuted 2019) solders on after the death of namesake Rosina Taverna earlier this summer with the launch of Trattoria Taverniti North (989 Dovercourt Rd.) at Dupont and Dovercourt.

Pumpkin spice szn? Whatevs. Cooler nights calls for warmups like hot pot. Richmond Hill’s Ushi Shabu Shabu (550 Hwy 7 Unit 80-82) is the city’s latest.

p.s. Include Zhangliang Spicy Hotpot (5437 Yonge St.) to that list right above.

Zoomys Juicery (1015 1/2 Pape Ave.) in Pape Village opens Wednesday with a roster of juices, smoothies, tea and sandwiches.

CLOSED

You’ve only got a few more weekends before Bar Sybanne (229 Ossington Ave.) changes things up. Stay tuned.

For what’s replaced Hawaii Bar 989 (989 Dovercourt Rd.), see above.

Lot - aka Lot 744, Lot Seven Seven Four (774 Danforth Ave.) – touched down at Pape and Danforth last year. It’s become something completely different. Details above.

I let you in on Oniguy’s arrival at Bathurst and Dundas (755 Dundas St. W.) last winter. A ‘For Rent’ sign has been placed in the window.

EVENTS

The month may have just begun but the lineup of exciting festivals and events dedicated to your favourite foods, drinks and entertainment is already mighty impressive. For 40+ block parties, parades, markets and more, get the Toronto Restaurants Guide to September Fests + Events now

NEWS
Did you dine at Markham's Delight Restaurant & BBQ (1250 Castlemore Ave.)on Saturday or Sunday? The restaurant has reopened. York Public Health advised the public to throw out two powders in relation to the investigation, followed by an official recall.

Speaking of recalls, in addition to last week’s items: Mother Dairy brand Paneer Fresh Cheese, Nature's Intent brand Dark Chocolate Enrobed Pineapples, and 4 In. Split Top Brioche Style Buns are the concerns this week. [UPDATE 05.09.22: Enoki Mushrooms]

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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

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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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