Tips for Dining, Eating and Food Shopping in Ontario (including Toronto and Ottawa)
Start New ThreadReading that Solfrino closed was saddening. Hell, without reading it here, I probably would've headed over there one day soon to get a big cup of disappointment.
Not that I want to drag out the dead, but perhaps in this unfortunate climate, we can keep a list of establishments that have fallen this year to avoid in-person, time-wasting disappointments.
By air621
on Apr 14, 2009 08:59 AM
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Perigee.
Locovore.
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apparently locavore is closed only for the week.....
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Perigee is closed.
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Oh no. Was once one of my favourite restaurants. I loved the open kitchen concept and tasting menu. I admit I had not been there much since Riley left, but saddened to hear this. Guess, I'll have to update my profile.
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It is very sad. I had several wonderful meals (and an amazing dessert tasting!) there under Pat Riley. It was a great space and I loved chatting with the chefs as they were preparing the meals. I hadn't visited since they switched chefs and glassed in the kitchen. I imagine that changed the experience a bit.
In case you didn't see the RIP article in the Star: http://www.thestar.com/living/article...
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Jaaadu
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I still had to make the trip tp Lovacore, but it's too late now. They got a decent review in the Star two months back. http://www.thestar.com/living/article...
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Matt Cowan is now at The Rosebud.
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No loss
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Just noticed today that the Chef of India is moving into Jaaadu's spot with a second location.
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I first started working in this area about 2 years ago and there was one Indian Restaurant, Rangoli. Now there are four (including Jaaadu, soon to be Chef of India). Price wars have broken out for the lunch buffets and I'm not surprised Jaaadu closed. It just did';t have the quality for the price. Here's wishing Chef of India good luck! It's gonna need it.
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I don't have the breadth of knowlwedge or experience with Indian food that estufarian and others on the board have but I quite enjoyed the food at Chef of India on Eglinton. I'll definitely be giving the new location a try.
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Babur on Queen.
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Babur?... I used to really enjoy their lunches... too bad.
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Me too. :(
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Babur????? Was my intro to Indian food....place was so brisk in the late '90s especially at lunch...had to take clients there at 1pm or 1130 am and wait as never was able to get a seat.....place had awesome Indian food and was very clean. Owner who was balding with mustache was always very pleasant to me as I was a regular when i lived in Toronto before the 'burbs...I will miss that place.
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I think they're just renovating... I went by this week and the little pink elephant was lit up and there was a note on the window.
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Sad news about Perigee, I have very fond memories of my only meal there.
The popularity of Babur always puzzled me, I tried their buffet once on recommendation and found it mediocre. Little India a few doors down has better food and warmer atmosphere.
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The a la carte was really good. Buffet (when they had it), not so much.
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I don't get out much these days... but I'll try Little India.
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Little India has a superb butter chicken. It's so good, you could skip the chicken and have the sauce with naan bread alone.
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Soma closed earlier in this year. Shame. There was supposed to be some great food coming out of there.
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Soma, as in the chocolatiers?
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Sorry. That's Soma Lounge by Broadview and Queen.
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Phew. Thanks for the clarification.
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Double phew. Too bad still, but at least there will be less confusion.
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Yes, I always wondered if it was really necessary to name a place so close in proximity to the original, the same....
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Locavore? What was that? 3 months or so? Too bad they couldn't hold out. With their position on Ave. Rd., I think they would have gotten a lot of foot traffic in the spring and summer, like a lot of the restaurants in the area. It is a major walking neighborhood for the residents.
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I think that Locavore was hurt by their name (i.e. people went in expecting close to 100% local food, and raised a stink here and elsewhere when they didn't get it), and by their Restaurant Makeover episode which made the owners look like bandwagon jumpers who really didn't know much about local and sustainable food.
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Not really sure you could call it a closing since it was barely opened but Manhattan on Queen in Parkdale is closed. Hated that name. Do you think there's a restaurant in New York called Missisauga?
Also Staropolska on Ronces is closed and a spot called Bistro 299 is in it's place. It's menu looks as inspired as it's name. Bravo Gelato also shut down on Ronces as well.
Urbanos the Italian Tapas place on Queen and Shaw (WTF? Don't Italians actually have a word for small plates of food?) is closed and a creperie is openeing in it's place.
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Eddstacy, the breakfast place on Bay, North of Bloor also died in January.
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They have just now started renovations to turn it into a sushi place
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Taking a walk along Yonge Street last weekend, I noticed that Vittorio's (near Davisville), a very pleasant spot with a good local reputation had closed. Sometime within the last year or so they expanded to the next door premises. No doubt a case of unfortunate timing. North of Lawrence Herbs, of course, went last last year after a very long run.
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Vittorio's must have reached the end of the lease. They are still open at the original location on Avenue Road.
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Notice on the door of Vittorio's is sadly usual seizure / termination by landlord. This location was operating apparently as its own company.
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I must say that I was more surprized that they expanded in the first place than to hear that they have closed.
I had gone to Vittorios a few time before the expansion. Once was by choice, the other times I was a just a lemming to friends who loved this place for some reason. Every meal I ever had there was blah at best.
I still remember ordering veal medallions, and I swear they served me cold rubber. The worst of it was that servers and management didn't seem to care about my complaints.
It is a shame that they are gone, but considering my history with them, I am only surprized that it didn't happen sooner.
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Coca closed again. Globe management took a walk from what i understand.
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yes, your information must be correct, the link to Coca is no longer on Globe's site -
http://www.globebistro.com/
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there was a quickie article about it somewhere. the new mystery management offered isberg a job again but he's on the fence since he's enjoying schooling right now. otherwise no particular news about the place.
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He's apparently off the fence and back at Coca.
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great to know! i think i foresee some interesting meals in my future...
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Considering that a Letter of Distress from the landlord went up in the window of Coca last week, I don't see them reopening anytime soon (at least not in that location), either with or without Nathan.
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Coca has definitely closed.
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...
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Very sad about Green Mango (sit down location) at Yonge & Bloor. Also, still waiting to hear about Goed Eten re-opening somewhere. I miss proper Belgian waffles, especially after having the "bisquick" variety at Yonge and Dundas.
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re: Goed Eten - is this your hope that they re-open or this is actually in the works? i hope so because i never made knew about this place until after it had closed!
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they were supposed to re-open in a new location in kensington but there hasn't been any news since the shutdown.
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Went by Le Petit Dejeuner on King yesterday and asked them about Goed Eten (in fact the guy who used to make the waffles came out of the kitchen for a coffee) but they told me that the other location they were looking at opening up in didn't work out, so no immediate plans yet. Sigh.
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i'll add bungalow... (i think it happened more in 09 than 08) and it becoming the new location for a young thailand. interesting second location.
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Third. There's already a second on St Clair.
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I just drove by the location of Hero Burgers/Lettieri on St. Clair just west of Yonge, and it's papered over. Is the the first of either of these businesses to close up?
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Mesgio, chakra and tabla...yonge and eg and mirabelle...turned to dizengoff and then it closed..lasted less than a month what was that? some of these may have been in late 08
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The Mirabelle/Dizengoff space is going to reopen as Bamburger, from what I gather on Craiglist's help wanted pages. Not sure if it will be the same owners or not.
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I went into Dizengoff the week it opened to get a feel for the place and pick up a takeout menu. I'm a sucker for good shawarma, and one of their banners proclaimed great shawarma. I spoke to the hostess, and found out that they didn't have any shawarma that day, and that I should call first if that's what I was looking for. Not a good sign. The rest of the menu was sort of pub style, and not Middle Eastern as I had expected.
They really didn't last long at all.
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sign on the window of Lettieri says they are repairing flood damage in basement and will re-open April 21
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too bad. Hero's deserves to close.. however all these closings certainly are a sign of the times
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Walked by yesterday and actually no, neither are closing: there is a sign on the door saying the building suffered water damage and both businesses will be reopening later this month.
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It appears that Eglington Fish & Chips is closed.
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Most of that block is empty now and Domino's is moving to the corner, where the pharmacy used to be. I suspect that the land owner has other ideas for their property.
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Lichee Gardens at Centre and Dufferin in Thornhill is now closed.
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In the Thornhill area you can add:
Cobbs bakery at the Promenade
Goldstein's Bakery (in the Sababa plaza) which made some of the best sufganiot for chanuka,
Bagel Brothers (across from Kiva's) at Steeles and Bathurst.
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a Cobbs closed? i see them popping up everywwere!
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Is Goldstein's closed? The last time I was at that plaza, there was a sign that they were cleaning up following a fire, and it looked like they really were.
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Landlord re-entered the premises on April 9/09 according to a notice on the door - and I too noticed that they were cleaning/re-building the previous week.
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Plakutta (at 1055 Yonge - that place is damned). This is the third incarnation this year - formerly 'Rising' then before that 'Plakutta' (again) - and of course 1055 last year.
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Aha... it appears that the rumours of Babur closing for good were untrue...
See here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/615084
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Cool. I always thought they did the best vindaloo in the city. The sky is brighter now.
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I wish people would verify these before posting...my wife used to frequent Babur and has not crossed it off her list....fortunately saw this and will update her, but if I hadn't..lost business for Babur.
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Given the number of unfounded rumours on this thread, I just wanted to give people warning of an impending, temporary, closure. The much loved Splendido has been taken over by Sommelier Carlo and Chef Lee's second in command (sorry, his name escapes me at this moment), and will be shut for most of July for renovations. Word is that it will be a more accessible version, with less focus on the tasting menu. When they re-open, get yourselves out there and support these guys! (In case anyone cares, I'm not even friends with these guys. I just like supporting any new venture from the people who have toiled in the biz for years).
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I'm surprised continually reading posts from people who are hesitant to follow places that are in evolution. I did a quick chefdb search and noticed that some of the past names associated with Splendido in 'farm team' roles included David Chrystian, Suzanne Baby, Jenn Stone, and Owen Steinberg.
In addition to that, I think there's a certain courtesy in David Lee entering into the new venture with a different menu and philosophy. It gives the new team at Splendido an opportunity to continue the venue's philosophy in the eyes of the public and customer base.
This isn't the first orderly transition for Splendido, and the fact that they've become an incubator for talent suggests that there will continue to be good things to come.
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Finally ate at Splendido a couple nights ago and it was a great meal. Sad to see pretty much the last of that kind of formal dining disappear. I think George will be the only one left at this rate, and I'd say Splendido was the best example in the city.
I look forward to the re-opening to see what they can do. Carlo was lovely to talk to and really informative. Will write that up shortly.
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Just heard that Pulp Kitchen on Queen East is gone. Not exactly sure when it closed, but apparently it is going to reopen as Lady Marmalade after some reno's.
Lady Marmalade is supposed to have originated in BC, and part of the new (or old, depending on your POV) organic chic.
Checked on their website, and it looks intriguing I must say. It is a brekky, brunch, lunch place.
http://www.ladymarmalade.ca/
They are supposed to open in June or July
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I thought the sign on door said that Pulp was moving... maybe I misread it...
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The spot where Pulp Kitchen was is turning into a new restaurant. Pulp Kitchen is going to be reopening just east of Caroline Ave. on the south side of Queen East -- between Hogar Home Fashions and Hanoi 3 Seasons.
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Lady Marmalade is opening in the old Pulp Kitchen location. It's a cafe with one location in Victoria, BC.
http://www.ladymarmalade.ca/index.html
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Looks very promising....wish it was already open. I could really go for some some properly made eggs benny this a.m., close to home.
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Great Post idea btw. It's sometimes hard to get out and about and then to find a place you loved has closed by showing up there is a drag.
I thought Zemra on St. Clair near Christie had closed but they just have lighting issues and construction out in front of their place.
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The carnage in the Beach continues. There have been a number of closings in the last few months including:
Michelle's Beach House - the food was pretty hit and miss but I loved their patio in the summer. A big 'For Lease' sign recently went up in the window.
Cottage on the Beach - I saw that it was papered over this morning. No surprise there, I'm surprised it was open this long.
Ci Vediamo - the restaurant is on MLS under power of sale for much less than what they were asking a year ago.
Nevada's - their steakhouse makeover was a major failure.
The Friendly Greek
Ben and Jerry's - it closed a while ago and the space is going to become a Bagel World.
From a culinary standpoint none of these were stellar but it's a shame to see all the empty storefronts (and that's not including all the non-food shops that have closed). I only hope that the economy picks up soon and some great places start to open in the neighbourhood. There are some great empty spaces for any restauranteur willing to take a chance...
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Beach landlords tend to set their storefront rents based on summer weekend tourist traffic. Most entrepreneurs can't sustain these rents over an entire year.
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Update: there is a sign posted on the door of Nevada's that says they will be re-opening soon.
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Another update: the Cottage on the Beach space is re-opening as a Papa Sol's.
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Apparently Cru restaurant at Royal York is closed now. I'd never been but I'd heard it was good.
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Mini-Market, formerly Tempo, is closing. That sucks. The 15 dollar deal was great value.
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Oh darn! It was on my go to list. I guess I should have tried to make my way over sooner.
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I read they still have it at Supermarket.
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Word has it that the original Cluck, Grunt 'n' Low on Bloor is closing, possibly as soon as today. Few will probably mourn it on this board, based on what I've read, but I still thought it was better than any other rib option in the city. Too bad.
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Walked by it yesterday and it was all papered up, including a sign on the door asking employees to email them their information to process their last paycheque...
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I think there was a personal tragedy in the life of the owner. Very sad.
This has become a location that is cursed--nothing can stick it out there.
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Last week we were very disappointed to discover that Calli Cafe (Dundas W @ Burnhamthorpe) is closed. My American husband found it to be the very rare place in Toronto that served *real* Mexican (not Tex-Mex) food.
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Alice's Restaurant on College has closed.
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That's too bad, I thought the food there was very good.
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i had always wanted to try this place! they had such a good looking wine list....
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Weird, I thought they were doing well. I guess it's kind of in no man's land between the College strip and the Ossington strip.
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We tried Alices last Summer, and everyone was very nice.
We felt comfortable, but alas, the quality of the food which was decent, was too highly priced for what it was.
Too many restaurants in the same price category with more interesting, and better prepared meals.
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There was a lot to like about Alice's. Some may think it was a tad overpriced, but I didn't. It was one of my favorite spots south of St. Clair Ave., which is usually as far south as I'll deign to go for dinner, and it was hell to get to from my little hutch in York Mills - but I made it my business to get there at least, well, obviously not enough times to have any impact on its bottom line. Good food imaginatively presented, an agreeable owner/chef, with solicitous service and tasty wines by the glass. To me, an ideal neighborhood resto. Alas, not in my neighborhood. I'd be intrigued to learn from erly what other joints he/she'd suggest in the same general area with, as described, "same price category, more interesting, better prepared meals" where I might take sustenance next time in that part of town.
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Hi Juno,
Not in our area for sure.
Try Rosebud.
Similar pricing.
Prefer the food.
I do agree that Alice had a warm friendly atmosphere.
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Cluck Grunt & Low on Bloor is done, the fridges have been raided by the staff as of Friday.
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I found this page (I think that it has been posted on Chowhound before) on BlogTO. Has a bunch or restos (and some clothing shops) and it fairly up to date.
http://www.blogto.com/deadpool/
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Went to my favourite take out place at Yonge/Bloor - Simply Zoup, to find that they've closed shop.
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Did it state why they closed?
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No, a note on the door says something like, "with some sadness, we have ceased operation, but who knows, maybe we will come back some day".
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The Jerk Hut at Front and Sherbourne, behind the Rabba, has closed. Can't say that I'm shocked: I had a few good meals from them early on but then too many mediocre experiences prevented me from returning after a while.
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That place sucked. I tried the jerk pork there once, tasted like nothing jerk-y and was tough. And the chicken, full of shards. Nothing special in the flavour department.
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Crystal Planet will soon be a Wimpy's. *sob* Anyone know if they moved? I couldn't tell admist all the tear-down.
---
http://www.foodpr0n.com/ - food. is. love.
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Soma's website still says that they are the distillery district. I've never been there and have always wanted to go :(
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If you read on, you'll see that it's a different Soma (Soma Lounge) that closed, so you can still get your chocolate fix :)
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Phew!
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JK Gardener is closing it's doors on June 7.
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Toronto Life article on it:
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...
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Not a surprise at all, they have been hurting. The state of fine dining in Toronto is in rough shape. :(
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As I noted in another thread, the TL article is missing two key points of information:
1) The restaurant is not closing entirely. It's moprhing into The Gardiner Café, serving light refreshments.
2) On Jun 17th, a weekly Wednesday lunch series called "Working Lunch with Jamie Kennedy" will be launching.
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Not too surprised. Went with two friends for a Friday dinner in the winter, and there were only two tables occupied. Talked to the waiter about it, and he said that the recession was hitting them hard.
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I noticed the other day that Wish on Charles St E is now called Black Skirt(?). I don't know whether it's under new ownership or just a face lift. I always enjoyed Wish. Smallish portions, but quite nicely executed.
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Toba at King/Sherbourne has closed. A restaurant called Pico has opened in its place. A quick search online brings up a menu that is "bistro." Can't say the menu looks terribly interesting, and the wine list is completely uninspiring.
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Yes, I noticed that! And doesn't the inside look pretty much the same? Just repainted the walls and are still using the same furniture. Toba's website is still working...strange. ChefDB.com indicates that the Executive Chef of Pico is Frank Brito. I wonder if Tony Barone is still the owner or still involved in some way?
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http://www.dine.to/pico
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I was looking at that, too. Notice that if you click on the "menu" link on that page, it's the exact same menu as on the still-existing Toba website. I wonder if that's the real new menu (maybe this Frank Brito is starting off by inheriting the existing menu) or if it's just dine.to that hasn't updated. ChefDB doesn't have any listing for Frank Brito before this gig. Looking forward to the first brave soul who tries this place out and posts a review.
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I called Toba and got voicemail with a message that basically said "new name, same menu".
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No idea if Tony is still involved, but I would assume not if it's a different chef?
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Diner's Thai on the Danforth has closed. Shame, it served decent food.
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Are you sure it closed? The one near AVLI is not closed and I don't think there is any other location.
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I just got takeout from DIner's Thai tonight. Must say I don't remember the food being this good before (nothing spectacular, but much better than I remember). Had the curry pad thai and thick chicken curry.
Is it possible it went through a change in ownership?
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I'm not sure if it did, but I only ate there one in the first week it opened and it was beyond terrible. Something must have improved since they are still around.
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Yes, I had the regular pad thai there maybe a month or two ago and it was disgusting! Way over-sauced with ketchup - a big goopy, mushy mess.
Could've been just the dishes I ordered this time too.
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Yeah, I ate there when it opened a few years ago and that was the last time I ate Thai in Canada. Brutal.
I think they were Sri Lankans who owned it.
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It opened around six or seven years ago, and I don' think I ever saw any Sri Lankans running it. Are you sure you are thinking of the place on Danforth near Chester ?
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Sen5es at the northeast corner of Yonge + Queen has closed. Too bad... was the only place to get a good coffee in that area.
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No it wasn't.
http://www.bespressobar.com/
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Thanks Googs! I work right in the building that Sen5es used to be in, so it was uber-convenient. (There's also a Tim's there for the occasional Tim fix). B Espresso will take more time but it sounds like it's worth it...
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Ah poop. Was convenient to get dessert there. Sigh. Though I will support Googs' b esspresso bar vote. I liked their lattes.
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It was a supremely convenient location. I wonder who the location is going to be bought out by... the word is that it's going to turn into another Cafe Supreme which makes me doubly sad.
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hey so... i got some juice info about coca on queen st , apparently after much attention and demands for the space the people from Milagro have taken over Coca , no news on when they expect to open but im willing to wait for margaritas at a crawling distance from home !
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I've been to the northern one twice now. Quality is consistent with downtown, and there's generally few, if any empty tables.
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Went by The Abstract Tree on Roncesvalles today and the window and doors are all papered up....looks ominous....
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Abstract Tree is closed, a hand written 'for lease' sign has now been added
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There is a sign south of the original location on Roncesvalles announcing a new location
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Boujadi. For all its multiculurism, Toronto is still lacking in certain cuisnes, and good North African food is one.
The same idea, IMHO, refers to the Bucharest, the Benes and the Tarogato, although they are long since gone. After all, man can not live by Pud Thai alone.
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Boujadi closed about 2 years back. Djedrba-la-Douce is North African, and quite good. I think his baklava pastries are the best I can find on Danforth Ave. http://djerba-la-douce.ca/
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Yes, Boujadi has been closed for quite a while. And not due to the recession. The owner simply wanted to retire.
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Terra Burger... I think it is closed. Website down, and haven't been open in two weeks...
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Contrast that with Bamburger. I liked the menu at both, but found Terra overcooked the patty, and presumed that takeout would drive the market. Bamburger does good table service and the burgers are more to order.
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Yes Closed in Thornhill but relocating back to its roots. Moving to the theater district. Opening August 2009. Will include new roof top patio.
website updates licheegarden.ca
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Bad news - Peter's Chung King is done:
http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story...
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Mel's Montreal Deli is closed. I know it wasn't great food (and cannot compare to some of the new places in Toronto), but it still comes as a bit of a shock because it is such a Toronto institution.
A few other recent closures, on Queen E.- Pachira (I'm not surprised, it was always empty) and Speedy Burger (it's been there forever), The Retro Cafe (St Clair & Vaughan), and in Kensington Market, Something Fishy (a little fish & chips place).
I wonder what's next.
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Something's Fishy had pretty good fish and chips, but I always thought it was an AWFUL name. I can't say I'm surprised they went under.
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Something's Fishy is open! I was surprised to see it open for business this afternoon. I just had to give it a try. Great Belgian frites tossed in herbs and hot sauce. The fish itself was thick and fresh, but could have stayed in the fryer a minute longer. It got soggy pretty quick. Tasty tartar sauce, too.
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I was in the neighborhood a couple of weeks ago and thought I saw signs of life...I know they had put the business up for sale earlier this summer - any idea whether it's under new ownership, or did they just have a change of heart? I don't recall hot sauce on the fries before. I still don't like the name, though - fish = good, "fishy" = NOT GOOD.
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It's still the original owner. She hasn't found the right buyer yet, but is still looking to sell.
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I was in there one day and she was ranting at another customer about the "g*dd*mn internet" and how dare people write about her. Uh, interesting character.
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Oops!
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They're only open on the weekends. Owner's selling because of health issues, but you wouldn't know it from the food. Freshly battered fish with fresh Belgian frites. The frites are awesome.
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Just noticed the other day that Nachos Nachos Thai Thai (King St E, just a couple blocks east of Yonge) closed and there's a St. Louis in its place. I always thought they had a decent lunch. Never great, but consistently good. I remember seeing them Restaurant Makeover a while back. The concept was quite bizarre, but they had a good-value lunch proposition.
lunchboy
http://nofreelunchonbayst.blogspot.com/
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Add Lakes to the list (after 20 years).
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OMG. This one was a bit shocking to read. Unbelievable stuff going on I gotta say.
I guess I just never thought our economy here was this bad. I've been in the States for a while now and see how it has affected them, but didn't think it hit that hard here. I can only say I hope all these displaced restaurant owners can re-build and re-open one day (if that's what they want). This is a bit like a market correction but with restaurants!
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Oro in Liberty Village is auctioning off all of thier fixtures on Thursday...
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Gamelle (on College St.) has closed.
http://www.gamelle.com/index.htm
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Anton, at Bathurst and Steeles.
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French Quarter, Avenue Rd is closed.
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Really?!?! They’ve been open for what… 5 months??
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bit longer prob but not much.
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Oh, that's very sad. I only got there once, but really enjoyed it and had wanted to go back...
Even though it's already been mentioned in another post, for the sake of thoroughness, Truffles is closing too,
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Not a restaurant but I believe About Cheese on Yonge, near Trapper's, closed.
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YongeThailand on St Clair has a we will reopen sign in the window, but no one picks up the phone and St Clair is off their website. Shame.
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That Indian place in the Beach... Yoga Rice and Spice (I think it was called) has closed. Building sold to a denture clinic... the chef owner is moving to India to travel for the next 50 years. He showed me his Lonely Planet book.
I wish him well. His curries were amazing.
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Oh, that's too bad. He is such a nice and friendly man. I can't say I am surprised though; that place was never busy.
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Brandon's Roti Hut at Huntley and Bloor is closed with a non-payment of rent sign. Sad times for the neighborhood and the hoardes of Rogers employees who lined up every day for great lunch specials.
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Zoulpy's Deli closed.
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:(
I loved that place.
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Sniff. Are you absolutely, positively, 100% sure Zoulpy's is gone?
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I know, it's very sad. I read it on TasteTO's blog which is quite reliable. http://www.tasteto.com/2009/09/20/t-o...
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I went by yesterday. It's so sad. TasteTO refers to it as a greasy spoon which I never found it to be. To me it was the last of the real diners. A place where people congregated and whiled away the time talking, relaxing, eating decent food for a reasonable price. Families, couples, limo drivers, lawyers, and students all could afford and enjoy it. It's almost worth seeing if we could take up a fund and put them back in business. Zoulpy's is irreplaceable.
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As the person who wrote the TasteTO mention you refer to, I should say that I don't use "greasy spoon" as an insult, but rather a term of endearment for old school diners like Zoulpy's.
Hopefully, I'll be able to continue using it for many years, although at the rate they're closing, I'm worried... :(
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FWIW, when I was in Zoulpy's one day a couple of years ago, they were talking about wanting to retire and not being able to sell the business.
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Lambros has closed. A sports bar appears to be in its place.
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What's going on with Fare Bistro on Queen E in Leslieville? There's a sign on the door that says they're temporarily closed due to a water main problem under Queen Street....The sign's been there for weeks now - I sincerely hope they'll re-open...
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Voicemail message at Fare says that they'll be reopening as soon as possible. Hard to say how long ago that was set, but at least the number is still in service and the voicemail box isn't full.
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Hey thanks gregclow!
I haven't noticed anything else about them closing in the papers etc. Let's hope it is as they say and that they'll be open again soon.
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The owners intend on reopening but are currently in insurance hell. Here's hoping they get it sorted soon!
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I've seen lit candles on the tables as I get the streetcar home. Have to go in and try it again.
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Il Mulino.
We hear that it's been sold and new owner will run it under different name, different chef etc. We are planning to stop by over the weekend, stay tuned!
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Because I enjoy Il Mulino, I just called them. There is a new owner, but he tells me there will not be a new name. He also says the chef is the same as always.
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Il Mulino was sold by the Pagliaro family to Oscar...former manager of Sotto Sotto for many years! The name will...unfortunately not change, however, I am sure Oscar will make it into his own place in no time. Prices should drop on both food and wine menus. Good luck to Oscar!
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Bigliardi's closes today:
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...
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On Saturday, I was driving on Bloor and saw paper over the windows at Maroli. Is it closed too or just renovating?
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They are closed for renovations and expect to re-open on Tuesday.
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That is a huge relief to hear. I love Maroli.
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ZELDA's on Church Street was shuttered last nite (Sept. 27).
There is talk they may re-locate to Yonge Street in the near future...
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Zelda's is going to re-open in the former Living Well, then Abaritta's pizza spot on Yonge. Not much of a food loss, but was a great Church St. patio for cocktails. Not sure how that will transition over on Yonge.
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BAGEL WORLD on Bloor Street West (The Annex) has closed for certain...there was talk of a 'reno' at one time but that was strange because they had just opened. Was at Bagel World (Wilson Ave) today and specifically asked about Bloor Street was told they had no plans to re-open!
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Posted in a separate thread but just to make it official - HoLeeChow closed today - all locations.
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They only closed today? The website was down last week. Anyway, good riddance.
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I find it amazing they lasted into this millennium.
Cya!
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Wow, that's one closure I won't lose any sleep over!
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What a combo! The best-looking flyers and the worst-tasting food...
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The Il Fornello on Church Street closed, too.
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Jalapeno Restaurant - King and Bathurst
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irie is becoming harlem underground.
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Meaning what? Full of Dutch influences, or budding jazz musicians?
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i didn't realize i had to provide more information than that on this thread. the papers went up in the windows just the past few days and all they're suggesting is harlem v2 at the moment.
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Sorry, thought you were making a reference to the crowd, which puzzled me. It's seemed to be continually popular, though I thought my last few meals there were less well done. Notch up another.
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The change of Irie to Harlem Underground is less a "closure" and more a "relaunch", as Irie and the original Harlem are owned by the same person.
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that was the impression i got... the signage seemed to give more homage to irie than most places would if they were just taking over a space. but i didn't spend the time to verify that.
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Be still my beating heart. Not one, but TWO Harlem's? Actually, that's probably enough cholesterol TO stop my heart. Oh my goodness that's great news.
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I just heard that Citizen was sold and will close in the new year to be renovated and opened under a new name. Look for changes at Rosebud early next year also.
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From what I've heard, Citizen was purchased by Lynn Crawford, ex of The Four Seasons Toronto and New York, who's back in town.
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Yes, Lyn Crawford purchased the Citizen and takes over January 1.
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Wow, that is a scoop!! Interesting. I wonder why she she left the big apple?
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Millygirl, surely you mean NYC, not Colborne...
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Yes, NYC. Now how in the heck did that that icon get there in the first place. Geesh, technology!!!
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I thought you were being funny!!!
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Well, the current owners as you know have three places and were feeling spread a little too thin apparently. I spoke with the folks at Citizen today and they are preparing to go out with a bang on NYE.. lol Nice folks. Looking forward to Lyn coming back. Certainly the tie in to Food Network fits nicely in my opinion. Usually Four Seasons moves their Exec Chefs every three years come rain or shine. If I recall correctly, this is a little sooner than the three years is up in NYC so who knows?
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That's going to make for a very happy new year. I LOVE Lynn Crawford's cooking and I LOVE the fact that she'll be a 5 minute streetcar ride away. Don't even need a taxi. Wow.
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Rosebud had been for sale earlier this year
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Open Kitchen
5 Roncesvalles
Although I won't miss it. They now have a sign up in their window stating that they won't re-open after they received a conditional pass by the board of health.
This place has been for sale for some time now. They reduced their hours of operation over the months. Although they started out with great ideas and home cooking, they then started buying, cooking and selling frozen food from the convenience store down the street which can not be a good sign.
30 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A3G8, CA
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Sakawaya on Danforth and Sushiman on Richmond closed as of Oct. 31.
867 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J, CA
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I guess I missed this post and just drove by Sakawaya yesterday and noticed it's no longer there. I must admit we prefered Aji Sai across the street but I'm still sorry to hear they shut down.
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Both were on the north side. Was there something else you are thinking of on the other side?
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Sorry no, I meant across Jones.
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Mochizuki at Bay and Elm is closed.
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Boho on Roncesvalles.
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For any that might have still cared: George’s on Eglinton W.
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Carman's has closed permanently.
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...
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Il Fornell on Church Street is gone now too
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cosa pizza on roncesvalles is papered over, no reno sign, no for lease sign, just papered windows
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with the construction effectively closing down much of Roncesvalles, look for many more businesses closing in this once vibrant neighbourhood...
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I can't say this saddens me much. I've had good experiences with the Yonge/St. Clair branch of Il Fornello, and often ordered take-out from orderit on lazy evenings, but when I visited the Church St. location earlier this summer, I was very disappointed.
The food was on the far side of mediocre and it seemed like the big draw was a cheap martini night.
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Not sure if this counts, but I heard a rumour that The Cookbook Store on Yonge & Yorkville has closed or will be closing....any truth to this one?
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I have my doubts about that one, but will do some research.
The Cookbook Store is an institution.
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I hope not.
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Just noticed 'Wok on Yonge' the Chinese fusion place that featured rare tasting menu has closed down and will become another Thai cuisine restaurant on the strip. ( Phuket Palace?! )
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Sign says ' Phuket Paradise '.
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A few more to add to the list:
Era Ora (@ Av & Dav)
Madras Pantry
Flow
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Madras Pantry closed after only a few months? That is odd. I didn't even get a chance to check it out.
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It's been a bad year for the dosas! (Couldn't that be a Country & Eastern song?).
Dosa Dosa (on Danforth) has gone too.
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Wow, Era Ora's been around forever. Hmm.
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i thought flow was just closed for renovations after liberty group bought it? maybe it won't open again though, who knows
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I hear tell that they are going to open up a wine bar in that location.
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Era Ora's gone. Huh. Darwin was right.
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la paisa on st clair is now shuttered... not surprising considering how empty it was every single time i went in. need a new option for columbian empanadas! all suggestions welcome, but crispy shell style is a requirement!
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Two more to add to the list:
Xian (tea shop in Rosedale)
I Deal Coffee (Leslieville location only)
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Fresh and Wild on Bayview has closed down. I don't think this will surprise anyone really but they sure didn't last long.
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Was that a location of this place with 3 other locations? http://www.freshandwild.ca/
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Yes it was.
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It really, really didn't last long -- they closed a while ago now.
Also, I just noticed that the Avenue Seafood shop on Eglinton (by the Healthy Butcher) is "moving" to an address on Avenue Rd. -- but I think that they're just moving to their other location and closing up shop on Eglinton (don't know the exact address of the current Avenue location, but I assume it's the same...can't imagine they'd have two Avenue Rd. locations).
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Where were they on Bayview? It has been a while since I have toured there, but I don't recall ever seeing them there.
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They had moved into the old Nunzio's space.
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ha ha... I was wondering why they were renovating so sooner after opening!
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If this is the same Xian Tea Shop along Yonge St. I'm thinking of, it was opened about sometime in the Spring and then closed down by the Fall. Talk about short lived!
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Yup, that's the one. It wasn't open very long at all.
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Surprised it isn't mentioned here yet, but Monsoon closed back in September. Is the "fusion" craze officially over now? Nowadays, it seems people want authentic. Real Mexican, not Tex-Mex. Real Japanese, not 50 varieties of California roll, etc.
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Carole's Cafe in Liberty Village has been shuttered for over a month. Little surprise.
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Mathew Sutherland has closed Fat Cat Bistro on Eglinton. The wine bar on Roncesvalles is still open.
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Did it close in 2009 or this year?
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2009
.
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Two weeks before Christmas
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Does anyone know what's going on with Bo De Duyen?
I have never been there, and I've been reading so many good reviews about it, but they are from 2006/2007/2008/early 2009, and I keep coming across people talking about it closing down for renovations, or moving, or just being closed. I want to go there, so does anyone know if it's still open?
When I google it there are two addresses that I get: 1999 Dundas and 254 Spadina. The Spadina address I assume to be the original, so maybe they moved?
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They have reopened but are a tiny take-out/bubble tea place for now (until they can find and afford a proper kitchen). They also have some frozen mock meats. The correct address is 186 Spadina (north of Queen). See this discussion for more info:
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/bo-de-duyen-to...
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Thank you for the link, that clears up my confusion! I will definitely be heading there next time I'm downtown.
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Le Gourmand (Yonge & Eglinton location only) closed last week. :-(
Michelle's Brasserie (in Yorkville, right nest to the Four Seasons) has also closed.
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There's a new thread for 2010 closings: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/678449
Maybe one of the mods can lock this one...?
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I'm guessing some people still might want to comment on 2009 closings but yeah, posters should take care not to post 2010 closings on this thread.
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Oops. I know about that thread, I just got confused.
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Vitorios moved to Avenue rd and dupont! Trust me he wanted to stay at the younge st location but the landlord kicked him out.......Chico's lease was up and the landlord was planning to tear down the building and put up condos!
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You know what all these new condo dwellers need, don't you? A good place to eat nearby.
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