2013 Food and Restaurant CHANGES and CLOSINGS

[Dean Tudor]

Another year, another run through the closings and changes of the food world in Toronto.

The only one I know of recently is Caju, the Brazilian place at 922 Queen W. Closed on Dec 22 -- didn't even pick up the Christmas and New Year crowd...

Please, lets have some tips and stories!!

[bluefirefly]

Valentina, a Latin-American restaurant (Mexican) has taken over the Bellevue space in Kensington Market (61a Bellevue Ave.)

To keep this list updated, as noted in another thread, Osteria dei Ganzi (Italian) is open now in the old Gooderham House (504 Jarvis St.)

And Valdez (Latin American) will be opening up in the old Cheval space at 606 King St. W.

[rickster]

Gold Diamond Chinese Restaurant (Spadina at St. Andrew on the 2nd & 3rd flrs) closed May 2, according to the landlord's notice posted on the door.

[ramenramen]

Well that was fast. Though I'm not surprised as the food was meh and the service was even worse.

[Brain of J]

Noticed the Fox and Firkin on the south side of Eg, just east of Yonge was all papered up. Probably not a big loss, but has this been closed for long? Seemed like it has been there forever.

[Brain of J]

Ignore above. They are simply renovating. They are re-opening in 10 days.

[Gary]

Yeah, they're converting them all over to their new "Cool Britania" look, I think attempting to attract a younger crowd. The Flatiron Firkin in the St. Lawrence Market area is also undergoing reno this week, the inside has been gutted.

[bytepusher]

They did the Owl and Firkin on Woodbine a while ago (it seems to the the testing ground for some of this stuff) it went from s**tty to hypers**tty

and yet they appear to make money, there is no accounting for the tastes of the masses

[Charles Yu]

'Brilliant Fine Chinese' in Markham closed! Replaced by 'Fung Lam Court'. Own and operate by Chef Lai famous for his ' Dungeness Crab in creamy Rum sauce '.

[Pooledish]

Very sad to learn today that JAM Cafe on Carlton near Parliament has closed. I've always felt that for really good bistro-style food, this was one of the best, if not the best in Toronto. Not a huge menu but everything was prepared with great care. Loved their wine tasting nights as well, accompanied by very generous snacks. Never understood why the place wasn't always packed by those Cabbagetowners?

[Googs]

Honestly, I never liked the vibe of Jam Cafe. Add to that, they ignored me the couple of times I dined alone. Now I don't need anyone to fuss over me. I do want to feel like I'm in the room, though.

With the fabulous Weezie's so very near, it's worth crossing the Caggagetown-Corktown border.

[Pooledish]

Sorry you had that experience there. Honestly, I always felt quite welcomed. The servers have always been great and most of the time, the chef, Avi, would come out to say hello. Anyway, nice to be reminded of Weezie's - only ever had lunch there when it first opened, but need to return. Have a feeling they're not open Sunday nights which tends to be my night out to dine.

[Frids]

There's a sign in the window saying something new is opening soon. Anyone know what it might be?

[num nums]

Fare Game:
http://www.torontolife.com/daily-dish...

[bluefirefly]

The Kathi Roll Express is taking over the old Living Well/Zelda's space at 692 Yonge street. Signage is up so it looks close to opening (though of course it can be deceiving). They advertise themselves as offering street food from around the world, and of course the Indian kathi rolls; it should be interesting!

[ylsf]

Looks interesting indeed. THanks for the heads up:
http://www.thekathirollexpress.com/

[hal2010]

Looks very interesting. Now if only Toronto could offer street food on the street.

[mstestzzz002]

La Bamboche on Manor Road (just east of Yonge between Eglinton and Davisville) is closing due to end of lease, Avenue Road location is still open.

I'm not going to visit whatever replaces them at that location.

Full text of notice on their store window:

==========================================
Dear patrons, we would like to thank you for your support and loyalty over the past 8 years.
It is with great regret that we must inform you that La Bamboche will be

CLOSING ITS DOORS AT THIS LOCATION
EFFECTIVE APRIL 29 2013

Our lease expires at the end of this month and we were unfortunately unable to renegotiate a new lease with the Landlord.

We look forward to your continuing patronage at our other location at
1712 AVENUE ROAD (NORTH OF LAWRENCE).

If you require further information,
Please call us at 416-224-5595 or email us at [e-mail]
==========================================

[jlunar]

oh boo. losing one of the Manor Road gems. That stretch between Yonge and Bayview is kinda awesome for bakeries & sweets.

[ylsf]

Ella M'a Dit on Baldwin is having their last service April 27th. I never got a chance to go (just for the Dubon Chicken popup) but was always curious about the place.

https://twitter.com/ellemaditoui

[Googs]

* SNIFF * RIP Tati Bistro. I will miss you so. I'll see you one last time before you go, okay?

[ylsf]

According to BlogTO this morning, Tati Bistro on Harbord is closing next month. No last service date announced yet:

http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2013/...

[meatnveg]

now i'm sad...thanks

[abigllama]

My all time favourite quiche in the city is from Chabichou and I was told once that they were actually made at Tati.

I enjoyed Tati mainly for the space but didn't love the food. But this could be a big problem if I can't get that quiche! It's sooooo good!

[millygirl]

Whimpy's on the Danforth.

What took them so long you ask?? LOL

I wonder anxiously what will take it's place??

[ylsf]

Gleamed from twitter:

C5 at the ROM closing at the end of April:

http://www.thegridto.com/blog-post/cl...

and:

Jamie Kennedy done at the Gardiner space

Chris Nuttall-Smith ‏@cnutsmith 5m
Gardiner Museum PR: @chefjkennedy is out at Gardiner resto; A La Carte Kitchen Inc. takes over. JK to remain a "preferred" caterer.

[afong56]

seven lives has closed at its old location and will be opening around the corner at 69 kensington, probably this weekend, april 6th. . .

[magic]

Isn't this where Miss Cora's Kitchen is? I love that place.

Did Miss Cora's close? Anyone know?

[ylsf]

Sure you know already, but, Miss Cora's did close, yes..

[magic]

Nothing at all on their website, nor were there emails sent out (I signed up for their mailing list).

But yeah, I figured as much in my research.

Sad. That place was goooood. A gem that received little attention.

Thanks ylsf :)

[26Marushka]

Sushi 67 on Roncesvalles has changed over to a more standard type of sushi joint - and it looks like it's new owners too. I say 'more standard' because there was something special about Sushi 67, imho. Could have been that damn soy caramel. So good. I'm so sad it's gone.

[ylsf]

Not a big loss I am sure for the CH crowd, but, the Melting Pot (the USA chain) that opened up in Richmond Hill less than a year ago closed on March 12. Rumours posted on RFD, confirmed on the Melting Pot facebook page. They didn't communicate to anyone about the closure until a day or two ago. People had reservations on Open Table (as of yesterday they were still taking reservations too... not sure as of today) so Facebook people were posting about driving 40 minutes only to find the place closed.

[caviartothegeneral]

Jazz Bistro in the old Senator Steakhouse building on Victoria is now open for lunch, grand opening scheduled for April 3. Menus here: http://jazzbistro.ca/the-bistro/

[bytepusher]

New chef at Your's Truly

Jeff Claudio is leaving, to travel and apparently not to eventually open a restaurant in London.

[szw]

What do you mean by "apparently not..."?

[bytepusher]

Toronto Life reported the "open a restaurant in London" thing and Jeff said it was a surprise to him on twitter.

[szw]

Thanks. I read the toronto life thing, but don't read twitter stuff. A little context in posts would be nice IMO.

[bluefirefly]

Aft Kitchen and Bar has taken over the Toucan Taco Bar space at 686 Queen St. East. They are offering "modern classic comfort food."

[ylsf]

A few notes from BlogTo this morning ( http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2013/03/this_week_in_food_the_happy_hooker_the_guild_northwood_tum_foreign_dumplings_maple_madness/

)

Happy Hooker is now open, looks interesting. Fast casual fish spot:

http://www.happyhookerfish.ca/

The Guild Restaurant at 1442 Dundas Street West has opened (brunch/lunch only at this point

)

Northwood (815 Bloor West) - soft opening

Mill Street Brewery plans to open The Beer Hall in the Distillery District. . (April time frame)

Que Supper Club opening at 364 Queen Street East - international BBQ

Capitano Burgers and Gelato opened at 645 Yonge Street

Big House Pizza opened on the Danforth.

[kwass]

I thought the Happy Hooker looked good as well. Looking forward to trying it.

[bytepusher]

Isn't this the CHANGES and CLOSINGS thread? That's all openings

[ylsf]

Arg, swear I posted it in the "openings" thread, I must have clicked on the wrong thread when I posted. Sorry, will ask a mod to move over or delete this one.

[The Chowhound Team]

Alas, we can't move posts from one thread to another, only split them into totally new threads. If you want to copy this over to the other thread, and flag the post here when you're done, we can remove it.

[rationallawyer]

Little House of Kabobs at Yonge/Dundas

Dragon Boat in Thornhill, and Cafe Cogo (same owners, but it appears there's been a split).

[auberginegal]

Cafe Cogo is rebranded to Skyview now, apparently their kitchen staff that did dim sum at dragon boat are now at Skyview.

[T Long]

Skyview's dim sum is so-so only and poor value unless you go for their early bird pricing ($2.80 per dish, order before 10:50 am)

[millygirl]

I learned just today that the Academy of Spherical Arts has closed back in December.

Never been myself but we were considering an event there.

[mariecollins]

Wow, that had been around a long time. Used to go and play snooker back in the nineties.

[Full tummy]

Me too! It was a great place!

[ingloriouseater]

apparently the church street diner is once again closed....

[abigllama]

There's something there now called Church Bistro and it was open last night. The space and menu looks similar so possibly just an name change.

Can't find any info on it.

[Brain of J]

Beaver & Bulldog in Mississauga closed last week. There aren't a lot of great wing spots in Mississauga, but I always believed the wings at B & B were above average, assuming you liked a saucy type wing. Sad to seem them go. It was a definite go-to joint for me when it came to wings when I was in the Mississauga area.

[yag326]

Toronto Life is reporting that Claudio Aprile is closing Colborne Lane::

"We spoke with Aprile this evening, who told us that he’s shutting Colborne Lane down not for financial reasons, but because the restaurant has run its course. “I really feel that I’ve done everything that I needed to do with that restaurant,” he said, adding that the final service will likely take place this Saturday evening. His focus is now on expanding his Origin brand (the third and largest location, at Bayview Village, is set to open in May), although he hopes to return to the more ambitious style of food he served at Colborne Lane in a couple years, should there be sufficient demand."

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...

[kwass]

You must have missed it, but this was posted yesterday.

[Frids]

Looks like Dunn's on King is closed for good now. It's only been open sporadically lately but a notice of termination showed up on the door a few days ago.

[Cat123]

AlimentoBar Mozza is closed. Sign on the door says they are undergoing a "makeover" and will be back in the spring.

[kwass]

I heard that, but what does it mean? Are both the restaurant and store closed, or just the store?

[justsayn]

So sad! They screwed that place up. Terrible layout!

So sad!

[kwass]

Are you saying the whole place has closed down? And that it's for good, not for renovations?

[justsayn]

I have no insider info. Normally I would assume it means they are done because not many companies can afford to pay bills with no business for so many months. Alimento could be different given that they took about 2 years to open in the first place.....all the while paying those bills.

DEEP pockets! Maybe they really will come back. I sure hope so and I hope they get solid advice on how to organize a place with fast food, eat in, and shopping because they really did a poor job of it.

Fingers crossed!

[MissBingBing]

Ever thought of checking their website or Twitter feed?
http://alimento.ca/

[justsayn]

What's twitter?

[ylsf]

http://www.alimento.ca/

Both the restaurant and store closed down.... Wow, that place ws under construction for how long before they even opened???

There were definitely some lay out issues, wasn't very inviting to enter,etc. but I hope it does come back. Enjoyed a variety of items from there including wine at the restaurant one night and they sent us home with a box of complimentary pastries..

[justsayn]

The staff, the owners, were always so gracious!

[kwass]

That really is a shame!

[justsayn]

Thanks to MissBingBing's reminder, I stopped to look at their website. It looks like they are commited to a full reno. Sounds promising. I hope it works out! I doubted it when I read the alert here because I just never saw the place busy and always tried to shop, and send people therre whenever I could.

Like I said before, fingers crossed! I hope they get some solid advice!

[ylsf]

An update on the restaurant , saw on BlogTO that this place is opening there:

http://www.cibowinebar.com/

From Miami, to be operated by the Liberty Group. Don't know if this means that the grocery store part is shut down for good or what?
Imagine the extra space could be used for this restaurant. Imagine Liberty Group would want a larger space for parties/events/especially during TIFF/etc but this is just guessing on my part.

[kwass]

Centro is closing it's doors, as is Colborne Lane.

Here are the links to the announcements:

http://www.postcity.com/Eat-Shop-Do/Eat/February-2013/After-25-years-Centro-closes-its-doors/

http://www.postcity.com/Eat-Shop-Do/E...

[millygirl]

It's about time re Centro. I dined there about 4 months ago and it was crap. A total waste of money. So this really doesn't surprise me.

[ylsf]

Well, I guess oi won't ever be going to Colborne Lane... Was always curious about it.

[dubchild]

And Splendido is offering brunch. It's tempting to connect these as some sort of sign of the times, unstable economy, lack of expense accounts etc.. I like to see these as unrelated but also a sign that lower levels of dining have greatly stepped up their game. I ate at Pangaea for lunch the other day and couldn't help but feel it was bistro level food in a fine dining environment.
Colborne Lane has been inconsistent and the Origin locations are performing well. I think it's a smart move for Aprile to focus his attention on ensuring that the Origin brand is consistent. Better to let the flagship go, especially if you are not comfortable of leaving it in the hands of a chef de cuisine, than let the whole fleet sink.
Centro is due for reinventing itself. The place has changed hands so many times that the brand no longer has meaning. Better to start fresh. I imagine paying that kind of rent was increasingly becoming difficult.
A Splendido brunch will probably be a welcome addition to a city which doesn't have an abundance of higher end brunch options. If County General is under performing, some added revenue wouldn't hurt.
I'm hoping these closure will only lead to their owners doing better things and that lower priced establishments fill the void.

[Jacquilynne]

I am not surprised at Colborne Lane. I was there recently for a kitchen table dinner on a Friday night. When we arrived at 6:30, the place was deserted. When we left around 10, the place was deserted.

Now, it's possible that they had a crowd in there in between -- we were downstairs for a long time. But with no early diners and no late diners, they were doing at best one seating on a Friday night.

It wasn't part of my regular rotation by any means, but I enjoyed my experiences there. Even, in its own way, the memory foam-like beet dish.

[bluefirefly]

It looks like Woods Restaurant is going to open in spring 2013 in the place of Colborne Lane by the ex-Modus chef.

http://woodsrestaurant.ca/

http://www.torontolife.com/daily-dish...

Love the look of the space and hope the food is good!

[ylsf]

Don't know if it was in 2013 or end of 2012 but The Burger Press on Bathurst south of Queen has closed.... sign saying "Downstairs Deli" coming soon up.

[justsayn]

Hmmmmm, sounds like you were eating donuts ; )

[kwass]

Yes it does...and you failed to give us a report :(

[ylsf]

Coming up shortly in the donut thread..

[magic]

It looks like FFFresh in Atrium on Bay closed.

Too bad, they had great Red Thai Curry Soup and tasty tandoori chicken wraps.

[ylsf]

According to BlogTO - Mexi-can Market at 310 College is "deadpool". Original grocery store by same name still open at College east of Lansdowne.

Fidel Gastros is taking over the Prague European Kitchen space - New restaurant named "Lisa Marie".

[ggom1]

Tortilla Flats on Queen West is closed.

[LexiFirefly]

This makes me sad, when I was pregnant I craved their kitchen sink dip like no ones business. Although if I wasn't in a bizarre food craving their food was really bad, but they were around for forever!

[magic]

Incredible patio, delicious buffalo shrimp, yummy fried ice cream. Everything else was fairly crappy.

Still, it had been there a long time and it was a fun place to hang out in summer. It's too bad.

[magic]

Oddly, Tortilla Flats has reopened.

http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2013/...

[ylsf]

Saw a mention on BlogTO that Tortilla Flats has re opened

[magic]

Perhaps you missed my post (see directly above).

;)

[ylsf]

Yeah, I did miss it... I don't like the new CH layout. Sometimes it collapses posts and other times it didn't. So I didn't see your response.

[magic]

I hear you.

[Dean Tudor]

Cowbell, Feb 2 -- seems to be financial?

[GoodGravy]

Just noticed the Pizza Pizza on Wellington & Church is now The Works.

The Coffee Time on Spadina and QQW is closed.

[Weirdteam]

Aravind on Danforth. Closed. Nepali restaurant, Namaste to open.

[justsayn]

Burger Bar papered up today. Closed?

[magic]

Not sure if this has been mentioned anywhere else but Bazaar on Mt. Pleasant seems to have closed.

[magic]

Being moved to Baldwin street.

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...

[happycamper]

Caju, Brazilian restaurant on Queen W and Shaw closed for good.
Walked by today. A sign was put up, thanking customers for 10 years of patronage.

[magic]

The mmmuffins at Yonge/Eglinton Centre closed down. That must have been there for 25 years.

It might sound silly, but I really love mmmuffins. With each one that closes I die a little.

One of the few baked goods in Toronto that tastes the same now as they did decades ago.

This is sad. Please buy a muffin when you run across a location! I don't want to lose this shrinking chain. You won’t be disappointed.

[shudder]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned elsewhere, but Loïc Gourmet closed in December and is becoming something called "Heirloom Foods" this year.
http://createsend.com/t/r-9A86382D48E...

[bytepusher]

Nuit and Jeff Regular are leaving Khao San Road suddenly. Longtime KSR business partner Monte Wan is taking over.

[num nums]

Just read on The Grid that Brock Sheppard will no longer be involved with Burger Bar so he can focus on his Kensington Brewing Co.:
http://theburgerbar.ca/Changes.html

Fressen's reboot has already mentioned in the 2012 thread, but I guess it might be better to have it filed for 2013:
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...