By lindsaylow
Parenting columnist Joanne Kates is an expert educator in the areas of conflict mediation, self-esteem and anti-bullying, and she is the director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park. “What you gonna do, report on me to the government?” Do we have a snitch line? If we had one, I’d be tempted. Why? Because COVID family politics are making parenting … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Popular Leaside bar and restaurant McSorley’s is going on a hiatus after 10 months of trying to cope with running a food and beverage operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a note sent to the restaurant’s mailing list via email and then posted on social media, the long-time Bayview Avenue bar noted that after 10 … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Prairie Girl bakery has shut its doors for good in the GTA. Prairie Girl first opened in April of 2011 and gained a loyal following for its old-fashioned cakes, cupcakes, and catering options. Directly impacted by the current pandemic, Prairie Girl closed four of its five locations in 2020 and is now shuttering its flagship … Continued
By lindsaylow
OUR JUDGES Claudio Aprile, Suzanne Barr, Stuart Cameron, Ryan Campbell, Anna Chen, Adrian Forte, Julie Marteleira, Mark McEwan, Nuit Regular, Anthony Rose, Ruth Tal and Janet Zuccarini It would be an understatement to say 2020 has been an uncertain year for restaurants — one that saw far fewer openings than the norm and an unfortunate … Continued
Live Organic Food Bar closed this past June after 19 years in the raw vegan food sphere. In its place is a somewhat ironic newcomer: the Backyard Smokehouse. The Backyard Smokehouse is a welcome addition to the Annex. It’s extensive menu includes many juicy burger combinations and all your BBQ favourites: brisket, pulled pork, ribs, … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s medical officer of health has lifted a closure order on Adamson Barbecue after the restaurant defied COVID-19 laws and opened for indoor and outdoor dining three days in a row. The owner, Adam Skelly, was arrested and charged on Nov. 26. Despite closure orders lifting, Adamson Barbecue cannot continue to operate immediately. The restaurant … Continued
By Ron Johnson
JP Adamo is a chef and sommelier with international culinary training. He’s inspired by good wine, travel, and the spaces in which he’s opening his latest ventures: Crosley’s restaurant at 214 Ossington Ave. and Dimes cannabis shop at 1048 Queen St. W. Opening in January, Adamo’s latest restaurant, Crosley’s, is in its unofficial infancy. The … 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
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
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
Some third-party restaurant delivery apps charge as much as 30 per cent to transport food from a restaurant to your home. In the best of times, these fees are a lot for restaurant owners to shoulder but when you add the current pandemic lockdown to the mix, delivery app fees are unsustainable. New legislation delivered … Continued
