Even an ulcer couldn’t keep Michael Pagliaro, former co-owner of Il Mulino on Eglinton Avenue West, away from the restaurant business. Diagnosed while on a winetasting tour in Italy, Pagliaro initially decided it was time to put an end to his 45-year restaurant career.
The Drake BBQ broadcasts its hillbilly presence to the street. When you walk into this rustic joint, the smell of barbecue provokes one’s hunger. I was greeted by Chef Anthony Rose and he arranged for me to taste everything on their limited menu.
Last Saturday’s Latkepalooza was the second showdown in a series of cooking competitions at Caplansky’s. The competition may be known as the Battle of the Bubbies, but that didn’t discourage the 28-year-old who claimed first place. The only requirement for contestants wanting to enter the competition was that they pile up four dozen potato pancakes and arrive at the College Street deli by 9 p.m.
Marlon Pather opened up The Butchers, an organic and naturally raised meat shop in 2001. And the questions about when he would add seafood to his list of products hasn’t stopped since. Nine years later, Pather is finally opening a fish shop — across the street from his butcher shop — at 2631 Yonge St.
J.P. Challet is my new BFF. He doesn’t know it yet, but after dining in his new bistro, Ici, I feel like we’re … close. He gets me. Ici has been one of the most anticipated restaurants to open this fall. This is in no small part due to serious delays after a battle with Joe Pantalone and the local neighbourhood that fought to deny Challet a liquor licence for his charming space.
Asian Course is a classy new bistro, all chrome and crystal shining like a culinary beacon amid a sea of strip malls and shopping centres. The room is divided in two with plenty of room to spare in additional dining that is closed off during the day. Beautiful crystal and stainless steel chandeliers add ambience and a fountain made of glass and crystal adds to the sophistication.
Rawlicious, the raw food bar that brings you dishes like pad Thai with kelp noodles and nut milk shakes, has opened a second location in Yorkville. Owner Chelsea Clark says no changes are being made to the original menu, just a fresh, new location for the eatery in a neighborhood where, Clark says,“people care about what they’re putting into their body.”
This is not your usual burger joint. For one, the concept pairs wines (not beer) with burgers. And the space is so far from being fast-foody that I feel a bit underdressed in my jeans. The jawdroppingly knowledgeable and affable service elevates the experience even more, as do the thoughtful touches listed on the menu — homemade ketchup, say, and organic options.
Former Ace Bakery mogul Linda Haynes and daughter Devin Connell, owner of Delica Kitchen, take a bite out of Toronto’s top pains au chocolat (that’s ‘chocolate croissants’ to you and me)
Vito Marinuzzi is trying to take 7numbers paperless, moving menus onto painted chalkboards — and moving wine and cocktail lists onto iPads. “We’re pretty old school in the way we do things and we thought we’ll go totally opposite on some of the stuff, like the wine list,” Marinuzzi tells PostCity.com.
Vito Marinuzzi is trying to take 7numbers paperless, moving menus onto painted chalkboards — and moving wine and cocktail lists onto iPads. “We’re pretty old school in the way we do things and we thought we’ll go totally opposite on some of the stuff, like the wine list,” Marinuzzi tells PostCity.com.
By day, Woodlot Bakery and Restaurant serves coffee and pastries, made in plain view on a massive harvest table. Later, when the lights are turned down, the table turns into a communal eating space, and two dinner menus — one for meat fanatics, the other for vegetarians — are brought out.
