Herbivores rejoice! Shook is back on December 11 with a whole new menu, an expanded marketplace and seasonally-inspired take-home options. The popular vegetarian restaurant has added sharing plates to the menu that are ideal for ordering in, as well as healthy takeout breakfast items. The Middle Eastern-inspired first opened in June 2019 and closed shortly … Continued
Lambo’s Deli & Grocery is filling a void in the Toronto lunch scene with its classic, sub-style sandwiches. Lambo’s is owner Justin Leon’s first restaurant venture, but he says he’s always had an appreciation for cured meats (and food in general) thanks to his Italian heritage. “My nonno would make cured meats in his closet … Continued
Deeply drenched in Portuguese traditions, Bom Dia, which translates to ‘good morning,’ is the newest addition to the Queen Street West coffee scene. The interior offers an homage to Portugal with its traditional delicacies and imported tiles, plates and marble. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristal Rotundo (@kristalrotundo) … Continued
After a successful series of pop-ups over the summer, Toronto’s Filipino-inspired pizza concept is back with a brick-and-mortar location and a new name. Now known as Saints Island Pies, the restaurant has permanently taken over the site of its patio pop-ups, which was previously occupied by the now-closed Wallflower restaurant. Co-owner Sean Santos says the … Continued
By lindsaylow
“We added this dish just after we opened up again after quarantine. It’s very reminiscent of summer and warm times. I always love having a dish in the fall and winter that gives a little nod to summer,” says Leña chef Julie Marteleira. “The clams give the beans so much flavour. One bite of this … Continued
Toronto restaurant Marben has removed itself from the SkipTheDishes platform in the wake of the app’s attempted partnership with the LCBO. Plans for LCBO delivery through SkipTheDishes have been put on pause by the Ontario government in response to blowback from the restaurant industry. Marben felt that “SkipTheDishes has shown little regard for small business,” … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Chef Brian Ho of Bar Mordecai on Dundas West knew that the realities of a winter lockdown meant a lot of changes for the restaurant industry. He already adapted to pandemic life with summer collaborations with Venice Beach Bar and Unboxed Market, but the winter lockdown meant a new challenge. Looking at his own restaurant‘s … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Nestled among the small shops on College Street, right by the Ossington intersection, a weathered but colourful awning hangs above what appears to be a new glass window. Barber Shop Patisserie, at 859 College St., is Jill Barber’s first solo venture, a brave business move in the middle of a second lockdown of the COVID-19 … Continued
A new fundraising campaign is supporting Indigenous families in need this holiday season with chef-made meal kits. Launched on GoFundMe, the Indigenous Feast Boxes initiative sees Indigenous chefs across Canada preparing meal kits inspired by their heritage. Each box is made to feed 4-6 people and will feature recipes and local ingredients, along with notes … Continued
By Ron Johnson
On Dec. 4, a deal was announced by the LCBO and SkipTheDishes on a new alcohol delivery service set to commence at 15 stores. Over the weekend, an outcry from the Toronto food and beverage industry led by restaurateur Jen Agg was so loud and pointed that the plan was scuttled before the wheels were … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Lockdown has been hard on Toronto, especially local restaurants and bars. As we enter the second phase of closures, many businesses are reduced to takeout-only offerings, or closing their doors again until further notice. Swan Dive, a Dundas Street West favourite, has been running pop-ups on weekends to help support other struggling Toronto businesses, renting … Continued
You may not be able to throw a huge party this holiday season, but you can still rely on one thing during this strange year: your favourite bars serving up holiday cocktails. Some of our go-to spots are now offering cocktail kits online and they’re getting us in the festive spirit. Treat yourself or consider … Continued
