“Coming Fall 2024 N°4 Front Street E, Toronto,” Rossi captioned the post, unveiling “Sammarco” in bold Burgundy lettering.
While details remain sparse, Bisteccheria Sammarco, or Sammarco Steakhouse, is slated to open in Fall 2024 at 4 Front Street East, just east of Yonge. The steakhouse’s website teases, “Coming soon from the founders that brought the city Giulietta and Osteria Giulia.” Private dining experiences will be available in The Carlevale Room.
Rossi first gained recognition among Canadian diners through multiple appearances on Top Chef Canada, steadily establishing himself as an A-list restaurateur. In 2022, he achieved a significant milestone as one of the inaugural recipients of a Michelin star for his sophisticated Italian eatery, Osteria Giulia.
“I didn’t anticipate us getting a Michelin, but we always try ridiculously hard to ensure we have the best ingredients for our guests,” Rossi told shortly after the win. “I’m not cooking on the line every night, but I call the line and design the food and believe in Italian cooking — especially taking old ideas and making them new again.”
At that time, Rossi also hinted at plans for a third restaurant, alongside his partner David Minicucci, inspired by the dining scene in Toronto and the sophisticated palate of its patrons, which he described as making his work more engaging and enjoyable.
While steak will naturally headline the menu at Sammarco Steakhouse, recent Instagram posts also tease whole fish and prawns, suggesting that seafood will play a significant role in the culinary offerings as well.
Make sure to follow along on the Sammarco Steakhouse Instagram feed for updates and details about the restaurant’s debut.
Food halls are the rage in Toronto — one of the hottest trends. Dating back to ancient marketplaces, modern food halls revive the community spirit of gathering for fresh, artisanal foods.
If you’re not in the know, here’s the lowdown on what they offer and why they’re all the buzz.
Opened on July 3, Waterworks Food Hall sits in the heart of King West at Richmond and Spadina. This spectacular mixed-use development houses 297 condominiums, along with restaurants and food stalls from some of the city’s best-known chefs. It is also connected to one of Toronto’s oldest and most historic parks—the 1.45-acre St. Andrew’s Playground. The European-style Food Hall seamlessly blends with its surrounding neighborhood, boasting a 55,000 sq. ft. space featuring heritage brick walls, a soaring 30-foot ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. Steel beams, exposed brick walls, sophisticated tile floors, and expansive skylights lend a modern aesthetic, while an old gantry crane adds an authentic touch.Foodies from all over the city can indulge in a wide range of cultures and flavours from vendors selling everything from freshly-baked goods to vegan eats. Vendors at the food hall include Harry’s Charbroiled, Aburi Sushi, Musoshin Ramen, Dave’s Genuine Deli, and Otto’s Berlin Döner.
At Front and Spadina, The Well is a mini-city. With 22,000 people daily and 11,000 living and working on site, it offers 1.2 million square feet of office space and 320,000 square feet of retail and dining. Spanning six rental and condo buildings, plus an office building and a three-level Retail Walk, The Well is always busy. The Wellington Market on the lower level is a foodie hot spot with 50 vendors offering a range of options. Enjoy hearty dishes from Gus Tacos and Hooky’s Fish, or sweet treats from Big Fat Cookies and Isabella’s Mochi Donuts. With a liquor license, you can sip and savour as you explore. Spanning 70,000 square feet, it includes communal dining and a 5,000-square-foot event venue for cooking classes and corporate events.
Did the Toronto Eaton Centre just become the city’s top foodie spot? With The Queens Cross Food Hall opening in the mall’s lower level, it certainly seems so. From the team at Oliver & Bonacini, this expansive 19,000 square foot space features 13 food stalls, two rotating pop-up spots, and a stylish bar and café with seating for 300 hungry patrons. The food stalls offer a variety of globally inspired options, including quick-service brands, creative twists on established O&B eateries, and occasional pop-ups and partnerships. Get ready to indulge in everything from gourmet burgers to finger-lickin’ fried chicken, fresh seafood and a bunch of vegetarian options.
Stop and dive into Toronto’s culinary scene at Union Market, smack dab in the heart of the station. This bustling hub is home to a vibrant collection of local food vendors, serving up everything from quick grab-and-go lunches to dishes that’ll spice up your dinner routine. At the market you’ll find international flavours from he likes of #DESI, Chocollata Brigadeiros, Hazukido, and Manotas Organics as well as fun pop-ups like Isabella’s Donuts.
St. Lawrence Market, dating back to 1803, stands as one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved public markets. Located downtown near Front and Jarvis Streets, it boasts over 120 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more. Divided into the South Market and the weekend-operating North Market, alongside St. Lawrence Hall, it’s a historic and vibrant hub cherished for its culinary diversity and local charm. Top spots to visit include Carousel Bakery, Scheffler’s, Buster’s Sea Cove and Sausage King by Bespoke Butchers.
TABLE Fare + Social offers a fresh dining and social concept in Toronto’s financial district. Featuring a variety of vendors curated from the city’s top chefs, including Aloette Go, Chaiyo by Pai, Friday Burger, and Plancha, there’s a delicious dish for every palate.
Chef’s Hall at Toronto’s Richmond-Adelaide Centre is a sprawling culinary playground where 17 of the city’s top chefs present their mouthwatering creations. Try everything from crispy fried chicken to tacos, massive sandwiches and mouthwatering smash burgers, all washed down with drinks that won’t let you put them down. Whether it’s a power lunch, after-work hangout, or game-night grub session, Chef’s Hall offers four distinct spaces — Beer Hall, Chef’s Lounge, Main Hall, Coffee Bar and Outdoor Patio—spanning 18,000 sq ft. It’s the spot to indulge in Oswald’s Pizza’s famous Detroit-style pies, Grandma Loves You’s freshly made sandwiches and their own hits like Grateful Chicken and Lost Coffee.
Regent Theatre rendering (city of Toronto application)
A couple years back, when East Coast company Terra Bruce decided to buy the old Regent Theatre on Mount Pleasant and return it to its previous life as a beloved live theatre, everyone seemed thrilled with the notion. The facade and much of the theatre would be preserved, it would be modernised and enlarged. And, most importantly, the historic and cherished building would not become another condo development site.
Now, months and months have gone by and the Regent Revival project has faced opposition from a group of local residents concerned about, amongst other things, parking on neighbourhood streets.
A petition was put up to secure funds to pay a lawyer, letters of complaint were written, and the project has been stalled pending a hearing at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Nearly a year ago, the project faced its first major setback at the Committee of Adjustment, where the developers sought approval for minor variances.
Despite being a standard part of the city’s process, the committee ruled against the project. Terra Bruce decided to appeal the decision, bypassing the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) in favour of the Ontario Land Tribunal, which functions more like a courtroom, requiring factual and evidence-based testimonies.
The hearing is underway right now.
“It’s not the majority of the community (who are against the project). We have the support of the South Eglinton Residents and Davisville Residents associations. We’ve received a letter of support from the BIA. We have heritage approval from the North York Preservation Board. We have a lot of support,” said Franco Boni, executive and program director for the Regent Revival project.
“It’s going through the democratic process, I suppose, whatever you want to call it. We are seeing it through and hopefully it won’t impact the outcome. We are still interested in building a theatre, but they have delayed us a year, and it’s been at significant cost to the owner. It’s a shame if it doesn’t happen.”
Boni said that Terra Bruce’s efforts to address residents’ concerns have been met with resistance. The company has made concessions, such as removing a proposed community room to limit public access from the back, but these measures failed to satisfy the opposition.
“We’ve tried, we’ve reached out to them several times, and we’ve had meetings with them,” Boni said. “The last meeting we had, they just ended up shouting at us and yelling at us.”
Rendering of Regent Revival project
Despite these challenges, the developers remain hopeful that the Ontario Land Tribunal will rule in their favor. They emphasize the philanthropic nature of the project, highlighting the city’s gain of a new theatre without taxpayer dollars. However, the protracted battle has already delayed the project by a year, according to Boni, which comes with significant costs.
One of the issues is that the project involves demolishing the existing theatre, except for its front facade, and significantly expanding its size and use. The group stated that it sees the project as a demolition rather than a true restoration of the historic theatre.
Another major concern is the anticipated increase in traffic and parking demand.
According to the group, the project is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually, creating significant commercial traffic in a residential neighbourhood. The group is concerned that the developer’s plans includes using residential streets for event parking, which could inconvenience local residents.
Additionally, the association has found that the developer’s proposal extends beyond the existing theatre footprint, affecting two residential lots on Hadley Road. This expansion could disrupt the residential character of the neighbourhood.
The outcome of the upcoming hearing will be crucial in determining the fate of the Regent Revival project. Will a new theatre help transform Mount Pleasant and the surrounding neighbourhood or will it fail? Stay tuned.
Since her debut in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at just 14 years old, where she was the youngest member of Team Canada at the time, Summer McIntosh has proven herself to be a powerful force. Having broken over 75 Canadian Age Group records, McIntosh is set to make waves in the Paris Olympics. Here’s what you need to know:
Hometown: Toronto
Sport: Swimming
Background: Toronto-born McIntosh broke the 800-metre freestyle record for the 11-12 age group at the senior Canadian Championships in 2019. She also won bronze in the 800-metre freestyle and the 400-metre individual medley.
McIntosh qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by winning 200-metre freestyle and 800-metre freestyle at the Canadian Olympic trials. She placed fourth in 400-metre freestyle and fourth in the 4 x 200-metre freestyle relay.
At the World Aquatics Championships in 2022, McIntosh won eight medals, four of which were gold. She set junior records in 200-metre butterfly and 400-metre individual medley. McIntosh, at age 15, was the youngest Canadian to win gold at the World Aquatic Championships or the Olympic Games. In 2023, she defended these titles.
McIntosh set world junior records at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, earning gold in the 200-metre individual medley and 400-metre individual medley.
At age 16, McIntosh broke the world records in the women’s 400-metre freestyle and women’s 400-metre individual medley at the 2023 Canadian Trials, marking her as the first swimmer of any gender to own these records in both events.
At the USA Swimming’s 2024 Southern Zone South Sectionals in Feb., McIntosh defeated American swimmer Katie Ledecky, the first to do so in an 800-metre freestyle in 13 years.
In the 2024 Canadian Olympic Trials, McIntosh broke her own world record in women’s 400-metre individual medley.
Career highlights: With six medals, McIntosh was the most decorated athlete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
McIntosh was the first Canadian since Alex Baumann (1984) to hold two long course world records simultaneously and the first Canadian woman to achieve this since Elaine Tanner (1967).
In February, McIntosh smashed the Canadian record in the women’s 800-metre freestyle by almost nine seconds, becoming the second-fastest ever in the category.
Where it all started: Summer McIntosh is not the first Olympian in the family, having followed in her mother’s footsteps. Jill Horstead competed in swimming the 200-metre butterfly at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics, treading the way for McIntosh who began swimming competitively at the age of eight. She has wanted to make Team Canada ever since watching the 2016 Olympic trials in person.
Fun fact: McIntosh named one of her two cats Mikey after prolific Olympian Michael Phelps due to the feline’s love of the water.
Olympic event dates: Women’s 400-metre freestyle (Jul. 27), women’s 400-metre individual medley (Jul. 29), women’s 200-metre butterfly (Jul. 31), and women’s 200-metre individual medley (Aug. 2). McIntosh has dropped out of the 200-metre freestyle.
While most parents can wax poetic on the fun parts of being a parent, from the sweet kid art that adorns your fridge, impromptu dance parties and all that jazz, there are moments when cooking just isn’t in the cards (or maybe you’re just done with the cooking complaints). That’s when you can hit up these Toronto restaurants that will hook your mini-me up with free meals.
Barque Smokehouse
@barquebbq/Instagram
A favourite for parents and kids, Barque Smokehouse is Roncesvalle’s local for and ridiculously good barbecue. Their family-style atmosphere is fun and allows guests to really relax after a long day. The menu, a little different than those of southern barbecue, is composed of refined smokehouse dishes that are fit for the whole family. On Mondays, kids 12 and under eat fore free (with the purchase of one entrée and can choose one main — chicken fingers, beef brisket, chopped BBQ port, baby back ribs or grilled cheese (no crusts, of course!) a scrumptious side including shoestring fries and Mac and cheese and a drink to wash it all the yumminess down.
McSorley’s Wonderful Saloon & Grill
On Wednesdays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. your kiddos can dine and dash at McSorley’s (with the purchase of an adult entrée and drink). Not only can they chose from delicious dishes like fish n chips and beef tacos, they’ll also be treated to a magical night courtesy of Nicholas Silva, who puts on a spectacular magic show that will be sure to mesmerize your little ones while they eat — no iPad needed.
The Old Mill
@oldmilltoronto/Instagram
Weekends usually whirl by in a blur as you dash your kids from one extracurricular gig to the next. But here’s a breather: if your little ones are aged three or under, they can chow down at Old Mill’s weekend buffet brunch or dinner for absolutely nada. And hey, even if your brood is a bit older (between four and eleven), there’s still a silver lining — they’ll dig into the same spread for a reduced rate of just $25 during brunch or dinner.
Mandarin Restaurants
@themandarinrestaurants/Instagram
Every day is kids’ day at everyone’s favourite Chinese buffet! At the Mandarin, children 4 years and under eat for free (up to two kids per paid adult). And if they’re not fans of Chinese cuisine, the restaurant offers a large salad bar, along with more kid-approved options like French fries, pizza and, of course, a huge dessert table.
Ikea Swedish Restaurant
Every Wednesday at Ikea, kids eat for free! With every adult meal purchase, get two complimentary kids’ meals. Plus, don’t miss out on their famous Swedish meatballs — a must-have treat for the whole family!
Fionn MacCools
@fionnsbowmanville/Instagram
Every Sunday, Irish pub Fionn MacCools offers a special deal: kids 12 and under eat for free with the purchase of a main dish. Kids can choose from a selection of options including burgers, mac and cheese and fish fingers.
Every Tuesday night at Denny’s, little ones eat free with the purchase of a regular-priced adult entrée. The breakfast favourite have built a menu that lets kids choose (and kids love nothing better than to have options). Entrée and side options include Mac and cheese, chicken tenders and build your own grand slam.
Toronto’s art scene is about to get an a bit of rebel yell vibes with the arrival of Billy Morrison’s month-long exhibit at Liss Gallery. The guitarist for Billy Idol and accomplished visual artist is bringing his bold and dynamic artworks to Toronto. Will there be “Eyes Without A Face?” You’ll have to wait to find out.
The exhibit kicks off with a VIP reception on Aug. 8 at Liss Gallery, located in Yorkville at 112 Cumberland St. with the artist in attendance. The date coincides with the appearance of Billy Idol, of “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding” fame, in concert at Scotiabank Arena on Aug. 9.
The work of Morrison, known for his recent chart-topping hit “Crack Cocaine” with Ozzy Osbourne, is inspired by pop culture, the insect world, and printed media, featuring bold colours and sharp contrasts reminiscent of his musical style. Influenced by legends such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring,
Guest-curated by Canadian painter Johnathan Ball, the exhibit will include two joint works available in a highly limited edition of nine each. These pieces, co-signed by Morrison and Ball, showcase a fusion of Morrison’s aesthetic with Ball’s blend of abstraction and realism.
The exhibit runs from Aug. 3 to 31, with the opening party starting at 5 p.m. for VIPs and opening to the public from 7-9 p.m. Morrison’s acoustic set will be a highlight, merging his musical and artistic worlds.
This is the second high-voltage rocker cum visual artist to hit the Yorkville culture scene recently. Legendary KISS singer Paul Stanley’s exhibit called “Joy & Rebellion” opened at the Peter Triantos Gallery last November.
French cuisine in Toronto plays out like a tale of two cities: Le Select Bistro, the seasoned veteran celebrated for its timeless charm, and La Plume, the new kid on the block bringing southern French elegance to The Well.
From classic French fare that could charm even the pickiest Parisian to chic interiors that set the stage for an unforgettable evening, both restaurants promise a taste of France without the jet lag.
Here’s how they stack up.
The Vibe
@laplumebrasserie/Instagram
Le Select: Step into a time warp of Parisian elegance with burgundy booths, mosaic floors and vintage art prints. It’s like dining in a classic French film, minus the subtitles.
La Plume: Modern meets romance here, with high ceilings, patterned tile floors and chandeliers dripping in dusty rose fringe. Don’t miss Bonne Nuit, the secretive boudoir-inspired speakeasy offering late-night intrigue.
The Menu
@eselectbistro/Instagram
Le Select: Think duck confit, tarte tatin and other French classics. Chef Ted Corrado adds a modern twist while keeping the soul of the bistro intact.
La Plume: Features a seasonal menu inspired by southern French cuisine, including gourmet tartares and a decadent French onion soup.
Le Select: Known for its extensive wine selection and classic cocktails, ideal for wine enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike. Le Sélect boasts Canada’s largest wine cellar with over 1200 labels, including vintages dating back to 1947.
La Plume: From the Riviera Spritz to the Plume Negroni, the bar at La Plume serves up modern twists on French classics. It’s where brunch meets high fashion and every hour is happy hour.
Le Select: Corporate executive chef Ted Corrado’s commitment to traditional bistro fare shines through in every bite, ensuring Le Select stays true to its roots while adding a modern touch.
La Plume:Chef de cuisine Navider Saini from Parcheggio collaborates with chef John Horne to bring a fresh perspective to French cuisine, emphasizing creativity and seasonal ingredients.
Le Select: A Toronto staple, Le Select has fed generations of city dwellers with its timeless charm and impeccable taste. It’s where celebrities rub elbows with local foodies, all in search of the perfect croque madame.
La Plume: Located inside The Well, La Plume is the talk of the town, luring in the city’s trendsetters with its blend of chic vibes and southern French charm. It’s the spot to see and be seen, whether for lunch, dinner or a late-night rendezvous.
Nothing says “cottage” like butter tarts, beloved for their nostalgic, homey vibes and simple, rustic ingredients. Chef Anthony Rose took on the challenge of blind tasting seven from around Toronto and two from Muskoka to find the best of the bunch. Read on to find out which tarts really buttered him up.
Winner: Circles & Squares Bakery Café
“I like everything about this tart — the crust is perfect, and visually it’s beautiful. This is a solid butter tart. Just wow.” 187 Bartley Dr., North York, $4/each
Second Place: Larry’s Folly
“Really great flavour on this crust, and I love the layers on the tart. It has a nice slow drip, and the filling is both light and rich. It’s really interesting!” 1462 Queen St. W., $3.57/each
Third Place: The Pie Commission
It’s a really awesome looking butter tart! The crust is rich and flavourful and really flaky, and the filling is really delicious.” 927 The Queensway, $4.95/each
Charmaine Sweet Studios
“I dig the shape of the pastry. This is really good — ooey gooey, and I like the pastry quite a bit. This is a quality tart.” 115 Vanderhoof Ave., $3.50/each
Rosseau Bakery & Variety
“I’m really enjoying the filling. It’s a classic butter tart, but the crust is not my favourite; it’s a little heavy. 5 Victoria St. E., Rosseau, $3.75/each
Bà Nội
“I like the flaky crust, and it’s got that caramelly goodness that I like, but it kind of lies flat with the flavour.” 806 Bloor St. W., $3.10/each
Don’s Bakery
“I’m liking this old school tart. It’s a little under baked, but the nostalgia on this one makes up for it.” 3119 Muskoka District Road 169, #2, Bala $11.95/six
Carla’s Cookie Box
“There are a lot of pecans in this tart! The crust is flavourful and the filling is spot on.” 31 Chicory Gate, Woodbridge, $20/six
Phipps Bakery Cafe
“This tart is nice and heavy. I like that it has girth to it. The caramel gives it a nice chew.” 420 Eglinton Ave. W., $3.49/each
Amazing new for Toronto food lovers! Randy’s Patties, the iconic Jamaican patty spot, is making a comeback two years after shuttering its doors.
For decades, Randy’s drew crowds around the block with their legendary beef patties, becoming a Toronto staple. Back in 1979, while other Jamaican bakeries dabbled with patties, Randy’s Take-Out rocked the culinary scene with patties that packed a punch, thanks to an authentic recipe straight from Jamaica.
But the pandemic threw them a curveball — not from dwindling customers or skyrocketing rent, but supply chain woes that forced a premature closure.
Earlier today, the restaurant announced on Instagram: “Icons never die. Sometimes they just take a break. RANDY’S IS RETURNING TO LITTLE JAMAICA! Stay tuned.”
It wasn’t long before longtime fans of the restaurant shared their excitement about the reopening, with even celebrities like basketball star and Brampton native Tristan Thompson joining in. “My heart is happy,” he commented.
Toronto-born actor Shamier Anderson, known for his role on WynonnaEarp, also expressed his happiness.
Back in 2022, when Randy’s faced closure, superstar rapper Drake quickly voiced his support.
“I’ll buy Randy’s right now,” commented the former Degrassi star under his handle @champagnepapi. “And give it back to them.”
Drake, a proud Toronto native who attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute near Randy’s location on 1569 Eglinton Avenue West, has always expressed his deep love for the city. His music and videos often celebrate Toronto and his roots in the area.
Despite Drake’s offer, the challenges posed by supply chain issues proved too much for one of Toronto’s most iconic Jamaican institutions.
And you won’t have to go far from the original location of Randy’s to enjoy their delicious patties because they’ll be reopening at the same spot, 1569 Eglinton Ave. West.
A new social club is launching in the city this fall, and if you’re thinking modern interiors, a dedicated concierge, fancy café and members-only events, you’d be right — but the members will be different than your usual Toronto socialite. Queen West’s Hound House is setting itself apart as the first “canine social collective” in downtown Toronto. Yes, that’s right: it’s a social club for dogs!
If you’re the kind of person who thinks your pet deserves a better life than you do, look no further than this doggy social club, where you and your pup can enjoy an indoor dog park, co-working space, café and bar, shop filled with dog- and human- friendly merchandise and plenty of opportunities to build bonds with all species.
According to their website, Hound House aims to “create an oasis for both pups and their people and redefine the way you work, play, refresh, and connect.” Members can work the day away in the club’s co-working space while their dogs play all day in the supervised off-leash park, which features non-slip flooring. Supervision is provided by “cha-paw-rones,” who monitor all activity in the park and are equipped with “a keen eye for canine body language” to help prevent any conflicts or unsafe situations. The club also has an emergency plan in place and access to veterinary care should any problems arise.
The Hound House cafe. Courtesy houndhouseto.com
In addition to the park, café, work space and shop, there’s a potty and sanitization station, including a dedicated potty pad, eco-friendly poop bags, Aesop sanitizers and hand balms, all-natural pet wipes, cleaners and “intricate drainage systems and daily deep cleaning” to keep the facility ultra-hygenic. And don’t forget the self-grooming station — an urban pet spa complete with professional-grade brushes and tools, all-natural shampoos, conditioners, and perfumes, de-matting tools and more.
Hound House also offers a dedicated concierge for anything your pup needs, from a puppacino to a daycare reservation.
With plans to open in the fall, membership options include a a monthly version, with access to members-only perks, doggy daycare services for a reduced fee and additional perks. If your pup has two parents, both can be on the same membership for ease of use. For those who aren’t totally sold on the idea of a social club for their pet just yet, there’s also a daily drop-in pass, which gives visitors access to the entire house and all amenities for one full day.
As the LCBO’s strike wages on, restaurants in the city of Toronto and beyond are facing a challenge. Save the establishments that use private importers for (often global) bottles of wine, most of the city’s eateries rely on the LCBO for their cocktail programs and wine lists. So, if the primary place to buy the liquor remains shuttered, what are businesses going to do?
Large businesses can order from the wholesale website, but only about 30 varieties are available. That leaves smaller restaurants and those with extensive wine lists in a bit of a pickle. It’s forcing business owners and restaurateurs to get creative
“The closure affects us in ways we didn’t anticipate,” says Sebouh Yacoubian, co-owner of Taline. “Before the shutdown, we could easily restock spirits as needed. Now, our inventory is all over the place, and our par levels are extremely high. Instead of having four bottles of tequila, we now have a case. If this strike goes beyond 14 days and we run out, where do we get more specific products?”
Because the wine at Taline is imported and needs LCBO testing, Yacoubian faces similar concerns with his wine list. “We stockpiled, but our wine stock depletes faster than spirits. Suppliers assure us there won’t be an issue, but it’s never guaranteed. We have about a week left before we run out.”
Colin Li, the owner of Hong Shing Restaurant, has similar concerns. “It definitely affected the way we run our business and manage our inventory. We typically do not stock a lot of alcohol on a regular basis, so the strike has really interrupted our workflow and cashflow, as we had to overstock more than usual,” he says. “We have to be creative in creating our drink specials to make sure we do not deplete our inventory before the strike ends. We stocked enough wine for us to last for two to three weeks.”
Those least affected? Businesses who are directly working with local suppliers. “General Assembly Pizza has always sold wines from small Ontario producers focussed primarily in PEC and the Niagara regions,” says Ali Khan Lalani, its owner and sommelier. “We buy the wines directly from the producers and have built meaningful relationships with the winemakers themselves. The current LCBO strike has no impact on the supply of wine to General Assembly Pizza.”
Toronto’s dining scene has been a whirlwind of dynamic, diverse and eclectic this year, as evidenced by our curated list of the 12 best new restaurants. We believe in getting the real scoop from insiders, which is why we tapped into the city’s culinary elite, from Michelin stars to celebrity chefs, to bring you their top picks.
Next on our list: Marc Cheng, the talent behind Margo’s Mediterranean dishes and the late-night vibes at Mr. Vander. Both spots are tucked inside Clio Toronto, the exclusive King West members club. We asked him to share his thoughts on the best new addition to they city’s dining scene. Keep reading to discover his exciting selection.
Chef Cheng’s pick: Café Renée Bar
I recently ventured out for a field trip to Café Renee, conveniently located just across the street from Margo,” chef Cheng recently told us. “Seeking simple yet expertly prepared dishes, I found the beef tartare to be excellent, and the ricotta and spinach gnudi showcased bright flavours that hit the mark.”
Café Renée Bar
Another notch on this stretch of Portland, this is possibly the best half-block for dining in the province. With spots like Sara, Chubby’s and Gusto, there are so many great places to eat. And now Nick Liu rolls into downtown, bringing his fusion hipness to French cuisine. The neighbourhood is in for a treat — shrimp cocktail ($16), steak au poivre ($77) and $10 martini happy hour 5 to 7 p.m.? This half-block, already impressive, just got even better this spring. Meanwhile, Liu, Toronto’s most thrilling chef, emerges as an overnight sensation after a decade of hard work, rivalling Janet Zuccarini in her own domain. Late night bites like oysters ($36) and Pilsner Urquell ($12), plus spritz cocktail specials at 1:30 a.m., will leave you enchanted. One moment you’re savouring the escargot ravioli ($21), and the next you’re envisioning this block bustling when TIFF returns in September. It’s like Jurassic Park meets the 2019 Raptors, but swap basketball shoes for Manolo Blahniks and Kawhi Leonard for Nick Liu. 100 Portland St.
MUST-TRY DISH: The viral ravioli Dauphiné: a single sheet of ravioli pockets filled with Comté cheese and chives
To find out which restaurant Michelin-recongnized chef Anna Chen picked, click here. And for chef Michael Bonacini’s pick, click here.
