2013 Food and Restaurant OPENINGS

[Dean Tudor]

A tough time of year to open, but if a resto closes, then its space can become another boite.

Has anybody noticed any new diners or places to eat, to buy food, including new online services for delivery and/or food purchases.????

[happycamper]

Ardor Bistro soft-opened yesterday (last occupied by Beau Lieu on Ossington).
"...South American heritage, specifically Chile and Peru, to Toronto, in both food and drinks. When we stopped in for a chat a few weeks ago, we were drooling listening to their cocktail plans incorporating pisco, a South American liquor. The restaurant business is not new to them: their experience at the uptown Celestin Restaurant supports their new venture."

http://ossingtonvillage.com/2013/05/o...

[bytepusher]

The connection to the post Pascal version of Celestin does not bode well, but I'll wait for reports before I pre-judge too much.

[millygirl]

Agreed!

[CarNut]

Noticed signs for another gourmet hot dog place called "Craft Dog" in the old Pastabilites space on King Street, just west of Church Street. Looked ready to be open soon.

[JennaBean]

Any update on Gelato Pizza on Queen East? It has been "coming soon" for a long time now!

[petek]

I had a couple of slices from the new Gelato Pizza that opened up on Eg&Ave Rd..Pretty decent pie good variety but no better than Pizzaiolo pizza.The gelato looked good and they'll deliver both!

[happycamper]

Cut The Cheese
2901A Dundas Street West
- "..a soon to be gourmet take-out restaurant serving innovative, super awesome and ultra delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and mac'n cheese. We are scheduled to open in the Junction area of Toronto this summer".

https://www.facebook.com/cutthecheeseTO

Soft launch soon.

The photos from their Contact catering event look delicious.

[ramenramen]

A new boardgame cafe is opening on Spadina just south of College, called Castle.

[magic]

A place called Big Al's Delish, serving deli sandwiches, prepared foods, and what have you. On Bathurst north of Lawrence I believe (east side). Don't know much about it other than that.

[elasticwaistband]

Just walked by the old Sasaya location (most recenly Kiiro Miya)on Eglinton Avenue West just west of Oriole, and a new sign is going up . So far they had "IZAKAYA" and "SAKE BAR" posted but no name yet. Will update when I see an actual name go up.

[magic]

That place has been occupied by middle of the road to subpar Japanese places for far too long. Time to break that rut!

[elasticwaistband]

Name went up - it is called "kushi".

[kwass]

Apparently, Burger's Priest (Queen St) is aiming for a June 1 opening.

[happycamper]

Rock lobster to take over Shanghai Cowgirl.

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

This ought to be interesting.

[jlunar]

O_o wow, pop-up to mortar central over there.

[ramenramen]

A spot called Enzo Pizza Bar has opened on Queen West, near the new Lisa Marie, and around the corner from North of Brooklyn Pizzeria.

http://www.queenstreetwest.ca/post/49...

[magic]

Looks like a place called Forest Hill Pizza will be opening at Bathurst/Eglinton. Couple storefronts away from House of Chan.

[magic]

I noticed that there will be a Toll House Cookies shop opening along the PATH, underneath Metro Hall.

This is interesting to me as (to my knowledge) I've personally never seen any Toll House stands outside the U.S.

[juliewong]

Unfortunately it has been "opening soon" since last May so I don't know what is happening.

[magic]

I did not know that.

Hmm, odd.

[magic]

The Toll House Cookies is now open. Called: Cafe by Chip.

Smells great. You can smell it 75 yards away. Products look really tasty. But I haven't tried anything yet.

It’s actually a full walk-in, sit down place. Not simply a kiosk, as I’ve always seen in the U.S.

[bluefirefly]

Prairie Girl Bakery is opening their third location in Yorkville at 150 Bloor St. W. this Friday, April 26!

[hungryabbey]

Finally!!!! So excited!

[ylsf]

Walked by it on Friday just before their closing time (6pm) and I went in to see if they had any "opening" promos but unfortunately (or fortunately) they didn't so I resisted :)

They are located on Avenue road just north of Bloor. Spotted a Starbucks close by it that I had never seen before (not sure if the SB is a new location or relocated from close by).

Website says they will be open on Sundays in July and August

[Charles Yu]

Brilliant Chinese Restaurant on 7220 Kennedy Rd has been closed for a while and the space taken up by a new restaurant by the name of ' Fung Lam Court '. Chef/Owner 'Lai' is famous for his ' Dungeness Crab with Rum Sauce served with French Baguette '
Brilliant is still being featured on Toronto Life. Guess about time they change the information in their publications!

[bluefirefly]

The old Pearl Vision at the corner of Yonge and Temperance (140 Yonge) has been papered up and looks to be turning into a coffee shop called Dineen Coffee - due to open spring 2013.

[ylsf]

For those that think that is a weird name for a coffee shop (myself included), there is actual historical significance to it regarding the building they are setting up in (name of the hat/fur company that was in there):

http://www.blogto.com/city/2013/04/hi...

There is info in there about a restaurant opening up on a higher floor as well.

[bytepusher]

Not mentioned in the BlogTo article but it also came out this week that wine program at the restaurant and the oyster bar will be run by Anton Potvin former owner of the Niagara Street Cafe.

[jlunar]

Seen that building. Looks nice!

[piccola]

I tried this place yesterday. The space is absolutely gorgeous and everyone I dealt with was friendly and chipper. More importantly, the coffee was really good -- lovely crema on the americano, dense foam on the cappuccino. A little pricey ($3.50 for a small capp, about 50 cents more than my local place) but I'm sure the rent/mortgage and maintenance on that location warrant it.

[Davwud]

A little place called Just Hotdogs has opened two doors north of St. Clair on Dufferin (w/s).

Spoke with the owner this morning. He's been there 15 months but changed to dogs about 2 weeks ago. He's still getting his feet wet but plans on having chili, mushrooms, etc soon. Most things are home made but the dogs and sausages aren't. He's selling Natas as well from Palermo bakery.

Tiny place, a few stools at the front window counter is all. I think it looks promising.

DT

[kwass]

Is he selling different types of dogs, like chicken or veggie? Or is he sticking to beef and pork?

[Davwud]

Chicken is on the menu but he doesn't have them yet. I didn't notice veggie but wasn't interested in seeing it either.
I did see a few different types of sausages as well. One was a Jerk sausage. Not sure if they're sausages of just topping combos.

DT

[kwass]

Cool! Thanks Davwud :)

[Googs]

Gimme a Coney Dog and a glass of lightly chilled Primitivo any time.

[kwass]

Fidel Gastro, (Friday April 19), 638 Queen St W

Enzo Pizzabar (Tuesday April 23) 646 Queen St W

[hungryabbey]

Just a correction, Fidel Gastros restaurant is called Lisa Marie

[kwass]

Oops...you're right ;)

[kwass]

Here is a write-up about Lisa Marie from Post City Magazine:

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

[kwass]

There are also some pictures of the food. Food looks awesome!!

[happycamper]

oh boy. Those duck "pizzas" look very interesting.

[kwass]

Don't they!!

[ylsf]

Some more news on BlogTO this morning:

http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2013/04/toronto_restaurant_openings_takht-e_tavoos_trinity_drake_150_tati_bistro_to_close/

Most interesting to me is Takht E Tavos by the owners of Pomegranate . Persian breakfast/lunch spot for now. Find this write up on another site:

http://www.spicecitytoronto.com/2013/...

[ylsf]

Some updates from BlogTo this morning:

http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2013/04/toronto_restaurant_openings_carmen_seven_lives_grasslands_jatujak/

Noteworthy:
Alimento space on King is becoming Cibo Wine Bar - Miami based restaurant but operated by Liberty Group in Toronto - http://www.cibowinebar.com/

Woods Restaurant going to take over Colborne Lane. Bruce Woods from Modus Ristorante and Robin Singh from Pravda. They are hoping for end of April launch

[MeMeMe]

Mother's Pizza is (re)opening its doors in Hamilton today.

I hope it's as good as the early years...I grew up around the corner from the original and it was a staple for everyone in the 'hood. Birthdays, graduations...everything.

[magic]

Let us know! :)

[MeMeMe]

Wish I could get there - living in Toronto. Between Mother's and the Anchor bar...a weekend roadtrip might be in my future!

[ylsf]

In Oakville, walked by the old Jam today (downtown Oakville) and I saw a sign staying that Fin Izakaya is coming. Same as the spot at Yonge/Eglington http://www.finizakaya.com/

Funny that the sign said something like "japanese tapas" to describe what they were.... ha, mix of cultures indeed. I think this place has potential to do well though in the Oakville market. I am not sure how it is now but I seem to recall mixed reviews before for the place in Toronto.

[Googs]

Since Main & Danforth is generally a dead zone save the blessed Bistro Camino and Grumbel's Deli, I'll add one. I saw a sign on the north side of Danforth very near the Len Duckworth's advertising that "Grillies" was coming soon. Not sure what it is, but the install looked professional. Seems to be a new fast food restaurant coming at us.
http://grillies.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/GrilliesInc

[Davwud]

Gelato Pizza is opening at the corner of Eglinton and Avenue. I've never heard of them but the pics on their web page look good.

http://gelatopizza.com/

DT

[kwass]

The pics do look really good! Do you know when exactly they're opening?

[ylsf]

Interesting, I remember when they opened up the Queen West spot close to Boreal Gelato there was talk about them opening up other locations and typically near other gelato spots already existing. Not sure what is in this area though. I see they have a Queen east location opening soon too

[kwass]

I knew the name sounded familiar. I was just @ the Queen West location. I was walking by and went in to check it out. I didn't get anything, but the pizza looked amazing!!

[millygirl]

A Gelato Pizza has been under construction on Queen East for over a year now. hmmm

[kwass]

Just read on Post City that Gelato Pizza has two new locations in the works. The location at 302 Eglinton West is opening this month, while the other at 1091 Queen East is opening next month.

[trane]

So, the Congee 168 location (previously a Thai restaurant whose name excapes me) on Bathurst south of Wilson is now going to be an "Aristocrat BBQ". My spelling may be off, but it must be the same place on Wilson west of Bathurst.

[ylsf]

Just looked it up, if it is the same place as on Wilson it is spelled - Aristokrat BBQ Restaurant

Doesn't sound so great according to Yelp reviews but thanks for the info.

[petek]

Not sure if i should be excited(I live right down the street)..but Ritz Caribbean Foods is opening at the corner of Eglinton and Duplex(where the Vietnamese Pho joint was.)
Never been to one,hope it's good.

[mariecollins]

It's cheap, tasty Carribean.

[ylsf]

Posted this in the "Closed" thread earlier today by accident:

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.

[bluefirefly]

This was mentioned as a separate thread, but another smokehouse is opening up at the end of the month - Marky and Sparky's Smokehouse (520 Annette).

[kbdid]

It's open but I haven't tried it...last night went by and it was closed because they'd run out of meat....good sign?

[ylsf]

The Drake is opening up a stand alone restaurant in the Financial District....

http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/blog/2013/03/drakes-getting-down-town/

Too tired to solve their "riddle" to figure out the name of it. If someone does figure it out post the URL here please :

)

EDIT, never mind, found it - http://www.drake150.ca/

[CarNut]

150 Adelaide Street West

[ylsf]

From BlogTO:

Black Rabbit Fresh Food Cafe open at 2312 Bloor Street West

Boccone Trattoria Veloce is open at Pearson airport (first of "upgraded restauants" open... this one by Massimo Capra).

Appetite took over Loic Gourmet space on Queen east
http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2013/...

[bluefirefly]

Another Menchies Frozen Yogurt in the works right beside Cha Lau on Yonge St.

[ggom1]

I saw a place called Dumpling King on Dundas, near Huron. I think it's pretty new?

[ingloriouseater]

Cowbell has a thank you note on the door. All very past tense-not open tonight though opentable is still operating. Drapes are closed and the word on the street is that mark has shut it down

[millygirl]

Yes, he tweeted he is closing up as of Feb 2nd

[happycamper]

Bazara, fusion sushi joint, opened on Ossington. The space was formerly occupied by Goed Eten.

http://ossingtonvillage.com/2013/01/b...

Never heard of the chef Sam Yang. I am curious to see how this one is going to pan out.

[Dean Tudor]

happycamper, let's hope that it's not that other JM Barrie word, "peter out".

[brushfire]

havn't heard about this at all. anyone been?

[GoodGravy]

The Works opened in the former Pizza Pizza space on Wellington & Church.They've been open around 2-3 weeks now.

[bluefirefly]

Walked by the old Toko Bistro and Bar (637 Yonge Street at Isabella) which has signage indicating it's hiring and being replaced by another Japanese place: Aji Sai Resto and Lounge.

In the same stretch, the Red Bench has opened at 611 Yonge Street. Looks like a cute yogurt/make-your-own-cookie shop that offers tea and juices as well.

[ylsf]

From Bahn Mi Boy's twitter they are opening up in February at their Yonge street location

[petek]

<From Bahn Mi Boy's twitter they are opening up in February at their Yonge street location>

Yonge and ?????

[magic]

Gerrard.

[petek]

Thanks..
I was hoping it would be closer to Y&E oh well.

[magic]

NP : )

[bluefirefly]

Queen Margherita Pizza will be opening February 4th at Jane and Annette.

[AllenShawn]

Super excited about this.

[principessa del pisello]

Me too. But it was still closed yesterday!

[PDalez]

any news if its open yet?

[principessa del pisello]

Not open yet. I called the Leslieville location to get an update and they said a few more weeks.

[damonster]

Looks like it is opening on the 13th of March according to website and the drive by I did today.

[ylsf]

From BlogTO this morning:

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

Nu Bagel in Kensington is hoping to open this weekend.

Buonanotte (in previous Ame space) is now open

New Italian bakery named Forno Cultura opening below WVRST on King

Ben and Izzy's Deli opening soon (another thread dedicated to it).

[MissBingBing]

NuBugel wasn't open yesterday.

[magic]

A new Kiva's will be opening at Yonge/Castlelfield...

[num nums]

The Grid has news about Union opening a retail shop a few doors down from their resto:
http://www.thegridto.com/blog-post/food-spy-union-expands-on-ossington-with-retail-shop/

And just read this on Toronto Life about a new Italian spot opening on Gerrard:
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...

[JennaBean]

Just what we need, more rustic Italian! :-P

[shudder]

Perhaps that'll be the last new rustic Italian place tho? I mean, how many more can there be!? :)