OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News September 16-22, 2021

Photo courtesy of Flora’s Deli.

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. #ifyouknowyouknow

🕒 16 min read

My 20 discoveries this week contain an array of fascinating concepts as well as the continuation of various chains further expansions across the GTA.

You’ll also notice many more closures and events than usual. It’s going to be a busy autumn in all respects, so please continue to support local businesses both old and new, whenever possible.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

In case you haven’t noticed, Korean hot dogs have taken over the GTA. New on the scene Arirang Hotdog claims dibs on the concept: “Korea’s leading hotdog and croquette brand that has grown to be the first ever to invent what’s called ‘Korean hotdog.’ in the history.” The first franchise location in Canada (5 Byng Ave.) was set to debut last weekend, but was delayed. Starting this Saturday, free hotdogs and croquettes will be on offer. Fun fact: The North York location is just steps away from one of the many Chung Chun Rice Dog eateries (11 Byng Ave.).

Live music is back! Introducing Bar Cathedral (54 The Esplanade), a venue, lounge and bar in the St. Lawrence Market ‘hood.

The fourth branch of The Burger Bros (4665 Central Pkwy. E) - and second in Mississauga – opens Friday. Grand opening kicks off at 11:30am, but get there early - first 100 customers receive a free cheeseburger. Did you know? The chain first landed in Mississauga November 6, followed by a Toronto spot at Bloor and Landsdowne two months ago.

Tracking CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice’s vast portfolio continues. The new shop in Markham (601 Warden Ave., Unit 10) softly opened Monday. To celebrate, enjoy 15 per cent off on all drinks in-store until October 31.

Three things to know about The Common’s latest outpost:
1. The address may read 36 Lisgar St. but it’s actually on Abell St. (just past Lisgar Park near Queen and Dufferin.)
2. It’s a slip of a place, but every square inch is oh-so-chic.
3. This marks the fourth satellite for the patisserie and coffee shop.

Fruitful Market (327 Carlaw Ave.), established 2015 at Dundas and Carlaw opened in 2015, is a kitchen and bakeshop specializing in “prepared healthy comfort foods and treats.” Say hello to exciting new addition The Donuterie boasting original selections such as Blood Orange Aperol & Toasted Almond Ring ($3.85), Ontario Plum  & Amaretto Fill ($4.75), Samoa Ring ($3.85),  Passionfruit Crème Brulee Fill ($4.75), as well as vegan gluten-free donuts. Owner Yannis Banks tells me it started as a pivot during the pandemic “to adapt to the situation and the shift to comfort foods.” It started small - 12 donuts, one flavour – but became so popular, launching the brand and provide enhanced options for pre-ordering for pick-up and delivery were the logical next step. He says it’s going to stay onsite at Fruitful for now, “but we envision it becoming its own independent enterprise over time.”

You heard it here first: Du Hsiao Yueh (7040 Warden Ave.) softly opens in Markham on Friday. Their specialty: Noodles made from a recipe that originated over 100 years ago!

Psst. Today was the grand opening of El Sazon de la Tia Flor on Eglinton between Oakwood and Dufferin (1698 Eglinton Ave. W.). In June I wrote about Berenice Lozano and María Osuna’s East York spot (1549 O'Connor Dr.) and the $1 taco special on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It became a top story across the GTA that week. You’ll find the same tantalizing dishes here as the original location, with the added bonus of seafood dishes and specials. See you there.

The owners of Oakville’s Colossus Greek Taverna (221 Lakeshore Rd. E.) have a new venture, conveniently located at the same address. Farma Greek Market offers a range of pantry items, prepared food items, and soft serve Greek yogurt.

Flora’s Deli has had quite the whirlwind journey thus far. The Italian sando pop-up by Chef Jesse Mutch and partners Tommy Conrad and Ailbhe McMahon launched at Mahjong Bar (1276 Dundas St. W.) in March, with a stellar event with Sherm’s Bagels in August. So news of their closure a few weeks ago was a surprise. Luckily it was short-lived (and bonus: not far from their original digs). Go see ‘em at Dundas and Ossington inside Grape Crush (1166 Dundas St. W.).

Gladstone House (1214 Queen St. W.) returns with a new name (formerly Gladstone Hotel) and fresh face (newly renovated) Wednesday.

Mika Bareket’s cookbook and gift destination Good Egg was a Kensington Market staple for decade: 2008-2018. So how amazing to welcome them both back, just down the street from the original location (156 Augusta Ave.).

After years of ‘Coming Soon,’ Jollibee north of Eglinton has finally arrived. Doors opened for the Filipino fried chicken and sweet spaghetti chain at Yonge and Broadway (2383 Yonge St.) Friday.

TR Newsletter subscribers were the first to get a sneak peek of Joni Restaurant ahead of the much anticipated opening inside the sensational new Park Hyatt Toronto (4 Avenue Rd.) yesterday. Wait ‘til you see the… set your phone alerts and keep your eyes locked here.

The extensive footprint of Kung Fu Tea stores continues with this weekend’s launch at World On Yonge (7163 Yonge St., Unit 101) -  the second outpost in Markham this month.

The menu mashup at Scarborough’s Mexi Desi Tacos (34 Nelson St.) means you can indulge in your love for Indian and Mexican fare simultaneously. I’m talkin’ Paneer Tikka Spring Rolls ($7), Lamb Curry Naan Taco ($8), Butter Chicken Poutine ($8), and Shrimp Tikka Burrito ($14.50) action.

Detroit-style pizza lovers in North York and Vaughan, have I got the place for you: Oswald’s Pizza (5000 Dufferin St., Unit P). Get your orders for Cheese, Pepperoni, Half n’ Half, Mushroom Truffle, and This Is Not A Big Mac in fast though - they keep selling out.

Phoenix Café (4030 Confederation Pkwy) is celebrating their new Mississauga location big time this weekend. Starting at 1pm on Friday and Saturday, they’re giving away 50 sets of Mini Hainanese Chicken Dinners at their grand opening event. And don’t sleep on the new dessert series, Milk Nava French Toast - available exclusively at the Mississauga store in four varieties:Original Ovaltine, Mocha, Strawberry, and Green Tea.

Sala Modern Thai Kitchen on the Danforth is well-known with east siders. Now Etobicoke has one to call its very own (20 Lockport Ave.). Did you know? Chef Mo also opened a spot in Mississauga’s Centre City Place a few months back called Mo Thai.

Writers Room Bar, the cocktail bar on the 17th floor at the new Park Hyatt Toronto (4 Avenue Rd.), debuted yesterday. Come for the views, stay for the cocktails and food.

CLOSED

The storefronts of A Bite of China and Simple Fresh (630 Danforth Ave.) at Pape and Danforth are boarded up.

Amsterdam Bicycle Club (54 The Esplanade) has made way for a new venture. See above for details.

Chef Victor Barry, Nikki Leigh McKean, and Brendan Piunno’s Café Cancan (89 Harbord St.) was put on hold during the pandemic, then transformed into a pickup spot for Piano Piano across the street (88 Harbord St.). Taking over the pretty in pink venue, their latest project: Piccolo Piano Pizzeria.

After 15 years, Daddyo’s Pasta & Salads (673 Spadina Ave.) has shuttered due to the pandemic.

Fresh on Eglinton (90 Eglinton Ave. E.) is on the move. Across the street, in fact.

Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (374A Yonge St.) at Yonge and Gerrard is for lease.

Kwan Dim Sum was a fixture at Yonge and St.Clair (1496 Yonge St.) for eight years before closing on Tuesday. Hands up if you remember when it was Didier. I was the first to tell you about Chef Didier Leroy’s new digs in June.

Mishwar Restaurant (675 Danforth Ave.) opened near Pape in November but moved up the street in July. Thus, the original location is now closed.

Montreal Style BBQ debuted two locations last fall, followed by an eatery in Greektown (679 Danforth Ave.) earlier this year. A Notice of Distress has been posted on the door of the Pape & Danforth location.

Proving that location doesn’t always guarantee success, Panera Bread at Yonge & Dundas (322 Yonge St.) is for lease. Six locations in the GTA remain.

North Indian restaurant chain Punjabi By Nature Bar & Grill (1961 Queen St E.) arrived in The Beaches last summer, but closed recently. Not to worry - their Leslieville location (782 Queen St. E.) that opened last July is just ten minutes away.

Condos are set to take over where “Toronto’s signature pool hall and bar” Roxy on King (284A King St. W.) was. Luckily, newly renovated sibling spot Watson’s (388 Richmond St. W.) isn’t far away and they serve food until 2am now.

CHANGES

Yonge & St Clair’s Sushi Gen Japanese Restaurant (1502 Yonge St.) has moved north one block to Delisle Court (1560 Yonge St., Unit 118).

EVENTS

The legendary El Mocambo (464 Spadina Ave.) is doing a mini concert series this month before opening in October.

Explore Asian cuisines at 100+ participating venues with promotional deals for $10, $20, and $30 at this year’s AsialiciousTO.

There’s still time to get in on Negroni Week.

Love ribs? Don’t miss this weekend’s Missisauga Rotary Drive-Thru Ribfest.

North America's largest Ukrainian fest, The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival, returns this weekend, celebrating 25 years.

Street Eats Market Taco Fest is happening this weekend at Scarborough Town Centre with over 50 variations of tacos by top Toronto food trucks. Challengers will compete to win the title of Judge’s Choice Award and $1,000 cash prize. 

Celebrate Oktoberfest Saturday at Steam Whistle’s The Biergärten.

The City of Toronto’s DineTOgether program kicks of Saturday. Select from two-item menus from +270 restaurants for dine in, patio, takeout or delivery. Prices are $15-$50 pp.

The Dusty Star Drive-In Diner Pop-Up returns next weekend.

Get tickets now for the Rocky Horror Dinner Show at The Medley. 

NEWS

Kevin Gallagher - co-owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen with wife and business partner chef Donna Dooher - passed away. Read fantastic tales from his 40 years in the industry in The Brunch Chronicles.

Proof of vaccination comes into effect on September 22. The Province issued a news release Tuesday which reads in part, “Ontario is developing an enhanced vaccine certificate with a unique QR code to make it safer, more secure and convenient to show that you have been vaccinated, when required to do so.” The enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app “will be available by October 22, 2021.”

ICYMI

The exquisitely reimagined Park Hyatt Toronto opened to the public Wednesday. Sous chef Joshua Morin’s résumé boasts an array of award-winning restaurants including Richmond Station, Langdon Hall, and Fogo Island Inn. In this week’s At The Pass he shares his favourite dish to make right now, go-to bars and restaurants around town, wise words for those just starting out, and much more. Read the engrossing interview now.

The cooler evenings are a sobering reminder that patios won't be available for much longer, so GET OUTSIDE WHILE YOU CAN. I created the TR Neighbourhood Patio Guide series to help you navigate patio season in your own nabe and further afield. Instead of relying on played out ‘Best Of’ lists, discover all the outdoor dining options the city has to offer, from rooftop patios and secret gardens to sidewalk cafes and courtyards, one neighbourhood at a time. Check out the lineup so far. What neighbourhood do you want featured next?

Hold onto the last days of summer with luscious scoops of ice cream, gelato, or whatever chilled dessert moves you. The GTA is exploding with exceptional choices right now. What began as a compilation of +80 restaurants, bars, shops, parlours and contactless delivery options for every kind of ice cream, ‘nice’ cream, gelato, fro yo, frozen custard, sherbet, bingsu, milkshakes, paletas, shaved ice, ice pops, boozy freezies, and halo halo, has morphed into a whopping +200 destinations. Explore all your options in the Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats in Toronto/GTA.

And stay tuned – more news ahead in The Tip Off, available exclusively in the TR newsletter, so subscribe now.

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Life moves fast - I wrote about +110 new arrivals in August alone. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED. 

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook 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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