Openings 2010

[ingloriouseater]

This is probably a more positive take on the closings 2010, and there seems to be many new restos opening, both good and bad.

Perhaps we can outline them on one thread.

Blue Plate is opening where Boho was on Roncesvalles
Lardon opened where Silver Spoon was on Roncesvalles
Hoops is opening another location in the Vdara/Satori space on Queen West
Origin has opened

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Boho
392 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R2M9, CA

[jlunar]

Le Rossignol (where Pop Bistro used to be) is either open or opening soon as far as I can tell. Will update.

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Pop Bistro
686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M1G9, CA

[Mason5280]

Le Rossignol is open now. Think it happened Friday or Saturday.

[Manybears]

There is also a new location of Brick St. Bakery opening in the Path (First Canadian Place, near Longo's)

[Manybears]

Spotted on a trip down Bathurst (so some may already be open and some may be "opening soon"):

Doughnut Café on Harbord, which had a Krispy Kreme sign in the window.

Murray's Sandwich Emporium on Queen - opening soon.

Le Corner on Dundas at Markham... this one is especially curious as it's been under construction forever and I still can't tell if it's operating. I've never seen anyone other than a person that appears to be a server of some kind in there, it's tinted-windows dark with some kind of blue lighting, but it seems to be all set up.

[bluefirefly]

Looks like a place called Indian Kitchen is going to open where Nataraj is in the Annex. Also, Na Siam Thai Cuisine is going into where Green Mango used to be on Yonge south of Bloor.

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The Indian Kitchen
7330 Yonge, Thornhill, ON L4J1V8, CA

Green Mango
2180 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S1N3, CA

[bytepusher]

The Drake is going to open a pop up BBQ "stand" in what was their ice cream place.

http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2010/...

I don't get why everybody feels the need to ruin perfectly good Texas style brisket by making a sandwich out of it but at least it's something.

[bluefirefly]

One more I should have added yesterday... Mark McEwan's restaurant, Fabbrica, at the Shops at Don Mills is opening (finally) tomorrow, October 1st. If anyone goes, please start up a new post and provide feedback... I'd love to hear about the place!

[LTL]

Not sure if it's just me but I can't seem to access the menus on the website.

[bluefirefly]

LTL - You aren't alone. I wasn't able to access the menus either - it seems that they aren't uploaded yet even though there is a "link" to the food and wine menus. Perhaps they're doing it as a teaser or keeping it a surprise for now? I'd suggest checking again tomorrow or in the next few days once they've opened.

[LTL]

The menus are now up on the website.

I've started a new thread with my review:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7387...

[SharkfinSoup]

Hey LTL - I can't find Fabbrica's website.

Do you have a link?

[LTL]

Here you go! Do report back if you go :)
http://www.fabbrica.ca

[SharkfinSoup]

Cheers, LTL - will do! :)

[Dimwit]

Daddy's Little Grill keeps getting better. If you're in Ajax I'd recommend looking George up. I had the Hot Hamburger last night and it was great. Hand cut fries, hand made patty, very fresh bread. George is doing it right.

Daddy's Little Grill
570 Westney Rd. (at Lake Driveway W.)
Ajax
T-S. Closed M

[bluefirefly]

As someone already mentioned, but I'm including it here so that it's captured in the 2010 openings list, Carisma recently opened at 73 King St. East. Website coming soon. http://www.carismarestaurant.com/.

And in BCE/Brookfield Place, right by the Marche on the ground floor, coming soon is Obikà Mozzarella Bar! This is apparently a chain that has multiple locations around the world including Rome, Florence, Tokyo, London and New York City. http://www.obika.it/english/ Taken from the site: it is "a new restaurant concept which centers its offering on the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, together with the research of recipes and artisanal products typical of the Italian tradition and characterized by very high quality. Our products are prepared “in sight” and served by drawing inspiration from traditional sushi bars and finger food style."

[bluefirefly]

Marché appears to have finished all the renovations and is opening/re-opening today in Brookefield Place - it is their largest location in the world, according to today's Star article, at 15,700 square feet. http://www.thestar.com/business/artic...

[caviartothegeneral]

Sushi Queen Izakya (that's how they're spelling their name) just opened at Bay and Elm.

[bluefirefly]

It's actually Sushi Queen Izakaya - there is an "a" between the k and y.

[jayseeca]

Parts & Labour - 1566 Queen Street West, right next to Cowbell

A resto-rocknroll bar opened up by the guys behind the Social, with Matty from Oddfellows acting as head chef.

Its supposed to serve food within a broad price range to be available to different clientele. Sounds interesting, but I've never been a big fan of the food at Oddfellows...

[jamesm]

I'm not a big fan of the idiotic velvet ropes they've put up directly across from a bus shelter that renders the sidewalk completely useless when I try to walk past.

[ingloriouseater]

it does seem pretentious and out of character for the nabe

[ggom1]

I was in Kensington over the weekend and the new tapas place at Oxford and Augusta seems like it's almost open. It looked like there was a tv camera there, so maybe they're part of Restaurant Makeover.

There's also a new small Indian restaurant, next to Wanda's, called Debu.
(edit: I was wondering if the restaurant somehow related to Debu Saha and found a note on TasteTO that confirms it. It's very small though - I went in when it was the chimmny cake place and think it was a similar size to Jumbo Empanadas).

[Teep]

At Harbourfront, 256 Queens Quay West (where the Rabba is), there is a new Jaipur Express coming soon. Looks like the floor and walls are done. The sign says Fresh Indian food, Lunch, Snacks and Tiffins - anyone know what that would be?

[Herb]

"Fresh Indian food" or "Tiffins?"

[pastabroccoli]

Enoteca Sociale is opening soon. Wine bar (with lots of pastas and cheeses and more)... June 8 I think.
http://twitter.com/EnoSociale
also see: http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2010/...

[jlunar]

Amaya Express at what I think is 1168 Queen Street East. Beside the Leslieville Animal Hospital (?). Was empty when I peeked in, but their elephant logo is up and decal is on the windows with a number 416-322-0020

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Amaya Express
1168 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M, CA

[drjolt]

Any idea whether this place is open yet? I remember reading that the number on the website doesn't go to the actual location, so thought I'd check here first.

[jlunar]

No clue - haven't passed by since :(

[drjolt]

Unfortunately, yes, it is. We ordered from there last night and found it overpriced with quality far below standard Gerrard St. fare. Prawn curry was $17 with four prawns. The naan was downright gross - texture and shape of a machine-formed pita and drenched in butter. Ugh. We'll continue to get our (far from mind-blowing but decent with better quality and price) take-out from Gerrard St.

[jlunar]

Sadface. If they're bad, then they probably won't last long. Gerrard is too close for bad Indian.

Trimurti (not in the area) is still my go-to for take out Indian.

[Hmm]

Paese has also opened on King St. in the strip of tourist traps... anyone been?

[peppermint pate]

Related to Paese on Bathurst north of Wilson?

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Paese
3827 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M3H, CA

[gregclow]

Yes, same folks.

[JamieK]

The Burger Factory & Poutinerie is opening soon at 1450 Yonge St (south of St Clair) where Spinners used to be.

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St Clair Restaurant
69 St Clair St, Chatham, ON N7L3H8, CA

[ggom1]

Something's Fishy in Kensington Market closed and the new owners have opened up .... a fish and chip shop. The fish and chips aren't as good as Something's Fishy, but what we tried wasn't bad.

[ingloriouseater]

Bar Salumi is opening a few doors east of and by the folks that brought you the Local Kitchen and Wine Bar.

http://www.localkitchen.ca/

Coming soon...
Bar Salumi... It’s true! We’re opening a second resto just a few doors east of Local. The concept will be “apperitivi e piattini”. Bar Salumi will be a cool little neighbourhood joint, where customer’s can grab a glass of wine or cocktail, and hang, while they a enjoy a few small plates… Stay tuned for more info.

Bar Salumi - Apperitivi and Piattini.

[peppermint pate]

Sounds like 'ino in New York's West Village - me likey.

[Marumari]

Quite excited about this. The 'hood needs more of these little 'joints', and if Local Wine Bar is of any indication, it should be tasty AND cuddly.

[JamieK]

Nove Trattoria at 1406 Yonge St about half a block south of St Clair. The place was packed today and with all the windows wide open, it looked enticing. However, there seems to be a plethora of Italian and Indian places in the area.

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St Clair Restaurant
69 St Clair St, Chatham, ON N7L3H8, CA

[mike.m]

What's happenning at Torrense on Dundas?

[Gary]

St Lawrence Market Area:

Chaska. 125 Jarvis, across from the south market, in a unit that used to be an electric motorcycle shop. Interesting concept with coffee, pastries, pie from "Wanda's Pie in the Sky" as well as takeaway Indian curries and grocery items. http://www.chaska.ca

Ritz Caribbean Foods & Sports Bar at 77 Lower Jarvis, just south of the Esplanade, formerly a Golden Griddle. Jerk, rotis, beer, big TVs, same owners as other Ritz Caribbean restaurants in the city.

Bolet's Burrito. 134 Lower Sherbourne, behind the Rabba on the southwest corner of Front and Sherbourne. Tiny spot, mainly takeaway with burritos and quesadillas.

Shawarma House. 222 The Esplanade, corner of Esplanade and Princess between the Coffee Time and the Pizza Nova. Shawarma and falafels made with more care than normal and nice fresh ingredients. Also... samosas (!?) which are not bad, but not great either.

A No Frills grocery store is going into the (former) Toronto Sun building at 333 King East. Demolition has already been underway for a while, they are noisily clearing out the old presses to make room for cheap grocery goodness.

Finally, not really an opening, but the Jason George Pub on Front just east of Jarvis is reportedly expanding into the neighbouring unit that formerly held various incarnations of Cafe Asia.

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The Jason George
100 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5A1E1, CA

[SharkfinSoup]

Leslieville:
Queen Margherita Pizza, 1402 Queen E
After a protracted delay/wait for their liquor licence (what else is new) open today, I understand.

[millygirl]

I like this post :) Great idea inglorius eater!

Mad Italian (gelato) - Bayview and Eglinton - should give Hollywood a run for it's money.

[jlunar]

oooh. NEW GELATO PLACES. I like it. I thought they were dwindling in number, but apparently, not so in the Bayview/Eg area...

[Gary]

Add to this list a new location of Petite Thuet in the former Zoulpy's space at 244 King East. They've been using it as a prep kitchen for a few months, but I had read they will be opening it as a bakery to take advantage of the patio. Sure enough, just today I saw they've finally got a new sign up. Not open yet, though, so count this as an "opening soon" for 2010...

[JennaBean]

Have you noticed if this has opened yet?

[Gary]

Yes, it's been open now or a week or two, but I haven't visited yet. At last check the back patio does not seem to be set up yet, though (being used as a parking lot, ack!)

[ezrider4428]

Midtown:
Hotel Gelato, 532 Eglinton West, Toronto

[torontofoodiegirl]

There's also a new gelato place on the east side of Bayview...forget the name though. (Oops - just noticed Millygirl's post below -- it's the Mad Italian).

[vidkid]

The Kensington Cornerstone apparently will be opening soon (they say April 24, 2010). They have a Facebook page but I can't find any actual website. Here's the FB one:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto...

Menu highlights:

Vegetable Paella with tofu chorizo, saffron rice, seasonal vegetables

Seared Scallops and Sweet Potato Gnocchi, herbed brown butter drizzle

Corn-dusted calamari, tomatillo salsa, chipotle cream, charred lemon

Roast Beef Mushroom Melt Bagel with White Cheddar, Caramelized Onions, Horseradish

Pulled Pork Quesadilla with Manchego Cheese, Avocado Salad, Pico de Gallo

[food4thot]

Looks delicious! Can't wait to try it out!

[ggom1]

I wound up here for brunch a couple weeks ago, the food was pretty good. I had the Cornerstone, which is basically eggs benedict but instead of an english muffin base, they use a grilled cheese sandwich. It was pretty awesome lol. I think they have an actual website now, but when I went the website menu was slightly different than the available menu. They have a big front patio area too (not yet open when I went).

http://welovebrunch.blogspot.com/

[estufarian]

I do like the idea - but as a suggestion, please include address and website (if possible).
Also (optionally) add to Chow and if no website put opening hours.

[vidkid]

Estufarian, I added the Kensington Cornerstone to Chow (first time ever) but it doesn't seem to list Ontario or Canada as location options, just the US. What am I doing wrong? Or is it just Chow?

[estufarian]

I usually add by hitting the 'Manage Your Links' bar just below this text box. However, I noticed it didn't work properly when I last tried and didn't get around to reporting it (my last report of a problem took months to fix - and weeks to even get Chow to agree that something was wrong).
I'm guessing there's 'currently' a problem.

[jlunar]

most certainly. Also, some existing restos aren't linking. boo!

[jlunar]

Just posted about some Leslieville openings: http://www.bit.ly/b64oHG

What Are You Looking At Bar And Lounge, 996 Queen Street East, Toronto
Ruby Watchco, 730 Queen Street East, Toronto
Great Burger Kitchen 1056 Gerrard East, Toronto

Upcoming (papers are still in the window):
Grinder Coffeehouse 1021 Gerrard East, Toronto
Majesteas 950 Queen Street East, Toronto
Café Florentin 948 Queen Street East, Toronto

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Great Burger Kitchen
1056 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z8, CA

Café Florentin
2010 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L, CA

[Arcadiaseeker]

Three on St. Clair West -- Cafe Leopold, Prop and Cocoa Latte.

[MeMeMe]

How is Prop? What is Prop?

[Arcadiaseeker]

Very yummy -- it's at St. Clair and Arlington on the corner. Have only been for lunch but plan to go for dinner soon. There have been one or two positive reviews on here I think.

[bluedog]

Went for Dinner at Prop on the weekend. Very nice! Good mussels, good grilled fish (spigula), had excellent rapini on the side and a terrific rum cake. I didn't order the wine, but I think there's a large list at $39/bottle. Would go back, but might not make a special trip. Wish we had something like this on the Danforth.

[jlunar]

Grinder is open
Majesteas is open

Waiting on Cafe Florentin..!

[jlunar]

Florentin is Open!