MALBEC IS A variety of grape used to make wine, and although it is grown around the world, many identify it as an Argentinean classic. Perhaps this was the inspiration for Eduardo Marino, the chef who created the menu at Malbec Restaurant.
NEW FORK IN TOWN: POST CITY COLUMNIST CHRISTINE CUSHING MAKES THE MOVE FROM CHEF TO CRITIC
After eight years as chef de cuisine at French-inspired eatery Auberge du Pommier, Jason Bangerter says he is enjoying getting to play with Luma’s menu: a touch of Thai here, some spices there and a new, seared-tuna twist on the classic salad niçoise.
The storefront at 559 Bloor St. W. sits empty, but if everything goes smoothly, it will spring to life in January 2011 as Guu Izakaya’s second location. “I guess I should say thanks to all Torontonians,” says Hyun Soo, general manager of Guu’s Church Street locale. “People like our food.”
Uptown eatery Mezza Notte has decided to open a second location and bring their flair for Italian food to the 905. They are joining other T.O.-based Italian restaurants including Grazie and Ferraro — both with new York Region restos.
When Conrad Chen, co-owner of Cravings Asian Cuisine, had to start turning customers away during peak dinner hours,he knew he needed a bigger space. Enter 3323 Yonge St., a two-storey, Roman-style building with an oversized skylight, where Chen plans to open Up restaurant later this month.
Patrons may have plenty of time to chat at the Copper Chimney while they wait for their dinner, but it will be worth it. Indian food is “a time-taking cuisine,” says owner Sanjay Gufain. “We don’t take shortcuts, and you can taste the difference.”
Malbec is staking its claim on Merton Street. The Italian restaurant, in the former location of Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood, opened recently, and owner Francisco Bogado says the locals have been flooding in.
Starting Thursday, a kiosk on the 300 level of the Air Canada Centre (ACC) will offer Chef Jamie Kennedy’s locally-sourced, gourmet French fries. The fries, made from local Ontario yellow-flesh potatoes, will be sprinkled with two different kinds of sea salt and thyme.
Salt opened last month, trying to skirt the moratorium on new establishments by using a combination of the location’s existing grocery licence and a catering licence. But, it didn’t last long. The restaurant is now closed, perhaps temporarily, perhaps until the end of the City of Toronto’s one-year moratorium on new restaurants and bars on the hot dining strip south of Dundas Street West.
JOANNE KATES, CANADA’S TOP FOOD CRITIC, ON LIVING LA DOLCE VITA RIGHT HERE IN T.O.
THIS TOWN IS overrun with burger joints. And you don’t need to be a vegetarian to feel the strain. Restaurateurs who decide to open up yet another place for patties best have a dedicated, original spin on the theme. Retro Burger approaches the trend with a 1980s angle, and in this way, they succeed.
