Celebrity chef Roger Mooking invites Torontonians to set flame to the last three years at a 24-hour burn

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1:04 pm

March 11 marks three years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the viral COVID-19 disease a pandemic. In the weeks that followed, the world as we knew it seemingly stopped. Canadians who were abroad were beckoned home. Not shortly after, the Canadian government closed its border and then, international flights were suspended. Social gatherings were deemed forbidden and over time, friend circles shrunk smaller and smaller, and as the years changed, some friendships diminished completely.

When restaurants were ordered to shut their doors, Ontario’s restaurant community took a financial hit that was so significant, some of the most talented chefs threw in the towel for good, unable to adapt to such a disrupted industry.

“The hospitality industry was particularly ravaged during the most acute phases of the pandemic,” says celebrity chef and restaurateur, Roger Mooking. “No customers, dynamic real estate issues and supply chain issues combined with trying to maneuver through ever-changing public health circumstances made operating a hospitality business extremely tenuous.” Mooking was forced to close Twist, a restaurant he owns that’s located inside of Toronto Pearson International Airport. At the same time, his food television career was put on hold, as it required extensive international travel.

“Around January 2021 I found myself in a very dark place and resolved to help others,” Mooking says. The next morning, he came up with a concept: “The Burn.” A city-wide public art project, the installation features an interactive vessel and cedar wood chips. Torontonians can visit a series of designated locations around the city to place their hurt or frustration on the chips. Then, on March 11, all wood chips will be brought to Nathan Phillips Square and set ablaze for 24 hours, setting flame to the last three years.

The gathering begins at sunset and will include remarks, a moment of silent and a musical tribute with a special performance from singer-songwriter Jully Black followed by “The Burn.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to place cedar spheres directly into one of three fire pit monuments: Letting Go, Transformation and New Beginnings. Each monument is seated within octagonal reflecting pools of water, “representing the deep mind and the gentle and flood aspects of transformative healing.”

Inside City Hall’s rotunda, 24-hour wellness programs will also be available which will include meditation, movement and sound. Mental health and grief counselling professionals will also be on hand for support.

Experience 24-hour wellness programming inside City Hall’s Rotunda with meditation, movement and sound. Support from accredited mental health and grief counselling professionals and specialists from the community will be onsite inside the Rotunda to support residents who may need to talk to someone about their pandemic experiences, as well as difficult thoughts and feelings associated with COVID-19.

The Burn, led by Mooking, was designed by Javid JAH and advisor Elder Catherine Tammaro. The event is co-led by the City Clerk’s Office (CCO) and the Toronto History Museums Department within the Economic Development and Culture (EDC) Division. “What you see now is a combination of relentless desire to help and heal, matched with the power of community,” Mooking says. “We are living through a very dynamic shift in our human experience at the moment and there is so much changing globally. There is unprecedented everything and it is disarming and challenges what we understand of the world. Covid was a major piece of this…hopefully, The Burn can allow us all to be proactive in healing ourselves and each other, individually and collectively.”

The Burn, an interactive installation provides a place for transformation, healing and letting go. The project is part of Stronger TOgether, which provides meaningful ways for Toronto residents to reflect on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. From now until March 12, in an effort to collectively find healing and reflect, residents can set healing intentions on wooden cedar spheres into The Burn’s travelling vessels as they tour the city. For more information, visit toronto.ca/TheBurn.

Jeanne Beker on the best weekender bags plus cargo pants for your mini-vacation

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Julia Mastroianni

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12:54 pm

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One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her new podcast Beyond Style Matters, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Travelling this March Break and not sure how to pack? The latest style trends in Toronto are here to help. Jeanne Beker has paired up the most fashionable and functional cargo pants with oversized bags to make packing painless this season.

A. Courtesy fredas.com/shop B. Courtesy rainbowjeans.com C. Courtesy intermixonline.com

A. CAN’T BEAT THE CLASSIC

“These are a total classic and really speak of spring. These are a great fitting pair of cargos that are never going to go out of style, and there’s a nice crop to these too.” Freda’s, $169, 45 Elm St.

B. DENIM WITH A TWIST

“This faded wash denim is your classic blue jeans with cargo detailing. They’ve got great deep pockets, a nice high waist and are a great alternative to a pair of jeans.” Over the Rainbow, $176.40, 55 Bloor St. W.

C. GO GREEN

“Green is a huge colour right now, such a cheery shade for spring. These have that nice wide, relaxed leg, three pocket detailing and a nice high waist.” Intermix, $625.07, intermixonline.com

D. Courtesy snapdragondesigns.ca E. Courtesy farfetch.com/ca F. Courtesy shopfrock.ca

D. SPRING FORWARD

“These are great if you’re looking for a slimmer fit cargo. It’s an understated style with a nice light shade and from a great local shop.” Snapdragon, $145, 622 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

E. LEATHER EDGE

“This shows you how casual cargo style can be adapted to the edgiest kind of look. These are absolutely seasonless and can be dressed up or down — a real investment piece.” Farfetch, $3,120, farfetch.com/ca

F. ULTRA UTILITY

“I love this classic khaki with a baggier, looser leg. These would look great with any shoe. They have a nice, relaxed feel, and I like that they have this nice high waist.” Coal Miner’s Daughter, $115, 744 Queen St. W.

Winter weekenders

G. SLOUCH STYLE

Opelle, $595, 128 St. Clarens Ave.

H. NOT SO MELLOW YELLOW

M0851, $237, 2901 Bayview Ave.

I. GO WOVEN

Holt Renfrew, $2,195, 3401 Dufferin St.

J. PATCHWORK GREEN

Uppdoo, $395, 916 Bloor St. W.

K. DENIM EVERYTHING

Want Les Essentiels, $297, wantlesessentiels.com

L. TOTE AROUND

Eleven Thirty Shop, $405, 1130 College St.

For Jeanne Beker’s top loungewear sets in Toronto, click here.

This beloved Italian restaurant in Toronto is relocating after 20 years

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Jennifer Schembri

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11:55 am

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Following a successful 20-year run, popular Italian restaurant Mezza Notte is shutting its doors at 5304 Yonge St.

Thankfully for the trattoria’s long-time customers, the restaurant will reopen in a new space approximately 20 minutes from the original location.

According to co-owner Robert Savonarota, the restaurant is moving to a former Bank of Montreal located at 3169 Dufferin St. The current strip mall the restaurant has called home for more than 20 years, is being redeveloped to make way for a 33-storey building with 265 units with retail on the ground level and more than 100 parking spaces. The new digs will be roughly the same size as the current location (approximately 2,500 square feet) with seating for 120 diners.

There will also be a private dining room in the basement — as opposed to the main floor. “We did a complete renovation and completely gutted out the space,” Savonarota says.

The Yonge Street location is slated to close by the end of March with plans to reopen in the new space around April 11, following Easter weekend.

Although the restaurant won’t see a complete overhaul, Savonarota says there are some changes coming as they want to stay true to their roots. “We are going to introduce some new dishes and there will be a slight change to the menu,” he says.

As for the decor of the new restaurant, Savonarota says that the space will have urban, industrial and modern elements where guests can enjoy all the classics while listening to traditional Italian music. In the warmer months, diners will be able to enjoy dining alfresco, thanks to a patio that will be located on the side of the restaurant.

And fans of the eatery’s extensive takeout menu need not fear: Savonarota says the restaurant will be able to keep the current delivery area relatively intact.

If all goes according to plan, in the summer of 2024, plans are in the works to add a rooftop patio. Savonarota says that all of the structural work has already been completed.

Until March 25, diners will have the opportunity to dine at the restaurant owned by siblings Robert and Gus Savonarota. Over the last 20 years, the brothers have built a large and loyal following of diners, thanks to their menu of classic Italian fare, including pizza, panini and pasta dishes, like fettuccine Siciliana and orecchiette aromantica. Mezza Notte is also known for its extensive wine menu, which pairs perfectly with any dish, as well as its hand-crafted cocktails and a variety of beer.

The best ways to spend March Break in Toronto

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Megan Gallant

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11:55 am

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March Break is already around the corner! If airport delays have scared you off from booking destination travels, that doesn’t mean you have to sit around at home for the week. Whether you’re looking to relax, get rowdy with some friendly competition or turn the week into a staycation, check out these adventures for spending March Break in Toronto.

Get all the perks of a Toronto hotel stay

Spend the break enjoying the perks of a luxury guest at the Chelsea Hotel over March Break. Right in the centre of downtown, guests will have access to the heated indoor pool, whirlpool and waterslide, have discounts to nearby attractions and gain entry to the Family Fun Zone. The Zone includes the kids’ centre with educational activities and crafts and, for the older kids, the Club 33 Teen Lounge, complete with arcade games, pool tables, foosball tables and LCD flat screens — a teen’s dream lounge.

Build a whole new world with LEGO

Toronto’s LEGO Discovery Centre is open until 8 p.m. throughout March Break, giving kids (and adults, of course) an extra two hours to explore their favourite LEGO creations, characters and stories. From factory tours, 4D cinema, quests and replicas of Toronto landmarks, the LEGO Discovery Centre can be turned into a whole day of adventure.

Jump into a virtual reality arcade

If you have a teen who’s glued to their video games, get them out of the house by bringing them to a Virtual Reality arcade. At Levelup Reality, choose from games and experiences that include fantasy battles, haunted houses, post-apocalyptic worlds of zombies or even just the day in the life as a chef or office worker.

Lounge by a hotel pool all day long

Did you know you can spend a day in a luxury Toronto hotel through ResortPass? That’s right: you can spend the whole day pretending you’re on your own vacation by renting a hotel room or suite overlooking the lake and cityscape from Hotel X. If you’re not looking to spend the whole day, finish an afternoon of exploring Centre Island by enjoying beverages by the heated rooftop pool.

Put an extra spring in your step at the fairgrounds

Spend a day at the Markham Fairgrounds for SpringFest TO. This festival is full of entertainment with rides and dinosaur exhibits, dance parties, food, clowns and so much more for the whole family. For 17 years, SpringFest TO has been a March Break destination, and it’s on from March 11-19 to give you and your family plenty of time to try out all the rides.

Get pampered

Getting your children pampered gives you the chance to get your own much-needed rest. Enjoy a kids’ Spa Package from Vaughan’s Glama Gal, including all you need to relax, from mani-pedis to foot massages and bath bombs. After your appointment, head down the street to Vaughan Mills for a shopping spree to make it a completely relaxing girls’ day.

Meet some celebrities at Comicon

Head over to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for three days of events, attractions, and — if you’re lucky — celebrities at Toronto’s Comicon. Alongside thousands of other fans, celebrate your child’s favourite characters and stories of sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming, learn from how-to workshops, watch comic artists battle and take photos with your favourite characters, all while dressed in your favourite cosplay. Family passes are still available.

Watch your favourite family-friendly movies for a steal

End a day of March Break adventure snacking on popcorn and skittles at Cineplex with their “Family Favourite” pricing of $2.99 all week long. Movies include family-friendly features like PAW Patrol, The Secret Life of Pets 2 and Minions: The Rise of Gru.

A world-renowned Toronto restaurant has closed its doors

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Jennifer Schembri

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2:44 pm

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265286438_353604309902027_6305531649410982064_n — flushingfoodie/Instagram

A popular Chinese restaurant known for its high-end eats has permanently closed.

Located on the second floor of the DoubleTree Hotel at 108 Chestnut St., Lai Wah Heen had been serving up elevated dim sum to suits and tourists alike since 1995.

According to a representative from DoubleTree, the owner of Lai Wah Heen decided not to renew the lease at the end of February. At this point, they were uncertain as to whether or not the restaurant would be reopening.

For nearly three decades, Lai Wah Heen was considered as one of the best dim sum restaurants in Canada, earning accolades from publications like The New York Times who said that it was “the best dum sum in Toronto, maybe the best in North America.”

The fine dining experience set the Chinese restaurant apart from the rest, as Lai Wah Heen’s dim sum was incorporated with premium ingredients and top-notch presentation. Diners had the option of choosing from elaborate dim sum options including a $1,200 luxury banquet for 10.

Lai Wah Heen’s last service was on Feb. 26.

Legendary Toronto restaurant Rol San reopens today in a new location

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Jennifer Schembri

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10:16 am

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331995193_1412944029444056_3988533687437226512_n — Photo: episodes.kt/Instagram

Just a few weeks after announcing that it would be closing its doors, long-running dim sum restaurant, Rol San took to Instagram to share the news that they have officially opened in a new location.

The legendary Toronto restaurant had been serving ample plates of Cantonese cuisine at the same location in Chinatown — 323 Spadina Ave.— for close to three decades and had amassed a legion of loyal customers.

Luckily for long-time fans, the new spot is just a short walk north of the original location.

“We’re excited to share that we are re-opening at 388 Spadina avenue on Monday March 6, 2023! We cannot wait to serve you again!” read the caption of the post.

It didn’t take long for patrons to chime in with excitement over the news.

“Everything is right once more,” read one comment.

“Hooray, you are irreplaceable,” read another.

“My late night dim sum cravings have come back,” wrote another Instagram user.

Yesterday evening, Rol San shared a glimpse of their new dining room, with the news that they would be open bright and early on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m.

While there’s been no news yet if the menu has changed, one can hope that the same light-as-air deep-fried taro puffs and delicious baked milk tart will still be available.

Rol San Restaurant is serving up all-day dim sum Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. until midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m.

Where Toronto’s Michelin-recognized chefs eat cheap: John-Vincent Troiano of Frilu

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Jennifer Schembri

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3:31 pm

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Although inflation has caused the cost of dining out to soar, there are many standout restaurants in the city with quality food at reasonable prices. And when it comes to restaurant recommendations, who better to trust than a chef — and a Michelin chef to boot!

Chef John-Vincent Troiano, recently awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant Frilu — which features a tasting menu comprised of contemporary Canadian cuisine made with Asian flavours and techniques — recently shared his favourite affordable restaurant in Toronto where two can dine with wine for under $100. Read on to find out which spot he selected.

Chef John-Vincent Troiano wants to eat at: Izakaya Ju

“They do smoky meats and vegetables grilled over charcoal,” Troiano told us. “Super low-key, fun and delicious and great with sake.”

Izakaya Ju

Located in the heart of the J-Town Shopping Centre (Markham), Izakaya Ju is an authentic Japanese restaurant that’s been around for more than a decade. Izakaya refers to a type of Japanese bar that serves up small, inexpensive sharing plates and late-night bites. On the menu, you’ll still find an assortment of sashimi and sushi combos, including popular fish like Japanese bluefin tuna and red snapper. For a quick snack, start with the edamame or the takoyaki (deep-fried octopus ball). Izakaya Ju also offers a selection of charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables, like duck breast or pork belly and shishito pepper or okra. Izakaya Ju also specializes in robatayaki cooking, which is a Japanese method that uses an open flame and charcoal. Try the miso-marinated black cod or the whole hokke finished with salt. There are also several rice- and noodle-based dishes to select from, including ramens, soba noodles and traditional Japanese udon.3160 Steeles Ave. E., Markham

This new boutique café in Summerhill celebrates both coffee and art

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Jennifer Schembri

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12:33 pm

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Summerhill residents can now start their day with a cup of joe from Ethica Coffee Roasters without making the trip across town. A new coffee shop has arrived to share the beans, but it’s not like other cafés on the block: MitFar Boutique Café celebrates both coffee and art.

The name “MitFar” comes from the combined first names of the husband-and-wife duo who own the business. Together Mitra Ziaee and Farzam Baghchehsaraei run MitFar Canada Inc., an online store featuring handmade and custom jewelry. When the couple wanted to open a gallery to exhibit the pieces, they decided to use Baghchehsaraei’s background in catering to pair the boutique with specialty coffee.

“It’s a combination of art, jewelry, painting and specialty coffee altogether,” says Ziaee. “It’s for people who love contemporary art and specialty coffee, because I feel they are the same. Coffee and art — it’s all about taste.”

Ziaee says she notices a lot of people go to specialty coffee shops seeking an experience that goes beyond the coffee. They want to experience something new, she says, and coffee and art felt like a natural connection.

“It’s very important to look at both of them as an art for me,” says Ziaee, “which is why this is the type of environment we are trying to provide.”

The couple spent over a year and a half conceptualizing the space and eight months searching for the right location. MitFar Café landed in Summerhill on Yonge Street.

With the soft opening of MitFar Café last month, the boutique began with an exhibit of artwork from Toronto-based artist Leila Refahi. Though she’s participated in upwards of 60 group and solo exhibitions, the paintings on display at MitFar are new and were specifically made for the café.

Called Nature Roots for Us, Refahi’s exhibition, like much of her previous work, presents Canadian landscapes and natural scenes that make statements on environmentalism and climate justice.

MitFar is currently reviewing proposals for similar artists to be featured in the gallery. For Ziaee, it’s important to showcase Canadian artists. “We’d like to promote their art, their ideas, the way they think.”

The jewelry comes from the collections that are presented online at MitFar Canada Inc. Designed by Ziaee herself, customers can browse and purchase the pieces in the gallery or continue the search online to order customizable pieces.

Guests can take in the sights of the artwork while taking in the taste and smell of Ethica Coffee Roasters.

“The reason we decided to go with Ethica,” says Ziaee, “was because the wide variety of tastes that they have was kind of more aligned with what we were looking for.”

If the art builds your appetite, the pastries served at Mitfar are all made in house, as will be the salads and toasts that will soon be offered now that the oven has been installed. Decadent offerings include gourmet croissants including raspberry matcha , yuzu coconut and black sesame.

The staff at Mitfar was sent to coffee school and had two weeks of a dry run to ensure they knew how to serve and brew the best coffee.

Mitfar Boutique Café is located at 1098 Yonge St.

Canada Goose head donates $35 million to the AGO to key massive expansion

By

Ron Johnson

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12:00 pm

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Canada Goose chairman and CEO Dani Reiss donated a cool $35 million to the Art Gallery of Ontario that set a massive expansion in motion. Today, the AGO reveals its plan for a increase the museum’s gallery space by 40,000 square feet, with at least 13 new galleries across five floors — increasing the AGO’s total space available to display art by 30%.

The donation is one of the largest gifts in the AGO’s history.

“Contemporary art is an observation of our time; the conversations, issues and triumphs of our generation – a reflection of humanity. I’m proud to support the AGO in their purpose to bring people together through art, especially art that inherently inspires such important discussion,” said Reiss, in a statement. Toronto is a world-class city, and this new gallery further establishes Toronto and Canada as a leader in celebrating modern & contemporary art.”

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has teamed up with architectural partners Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect to reveal initial the initial designs for what will be called the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery,

The design shows the new space surrounding the existing gallery and sitting one storey above the AGOS’s existing loading dock between the gallery and the OCAD University — the cool building on stilts.

This expansion will significantly increase gallery space for a growing collection of modern and contemporary art.

“The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is more than an expansion project — it’s how we fulfill our mission to bring people together with art, propel global conversations that speak to the issues of our time, and reflect the diversity of Toronto, Ontario and Canada,” said Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario. “

According to an AGO release, the inside of the new expansion with house 13 new exhibition spaces of varying scale and ceiling height. The new spaces will put flexibility and adaptability first to accommodate the needs of future generations of artists working across all media.

The new gallery, according to the AGO, is designed to operate without burning fossil fuel.

“The all-electric mechanical plant will use no operational carbon and create no emissions, while seeking CAGBC Zero Carbon Operating Building certification — making it one of a very small number of museum spaces to accomplish this. It will also be built to Passive House standards, for maximum heating and cooling efficiency,” states the release.

The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is being designed to operate without burning fossil fuel. It was also done in consultation with Indigenous leaders and communities, led by Two Row Architect.

McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac is almost here and it was created by a Toronto chef

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:19 am

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McDonald’s highly-anticipated Chicken Big Mac is set to hit menus next week, and it’s a recipe that’s been two years in the making.

Created by Jeff Anderson, McDonald’s senior manager of menu innovation in Toronto, the new burger will feature the classic toppings found in the Big Mac — lettuce, processed cheddar cheese, pickles and Big Mac sauce — with a chicken twist. The Chicken Big Mac features two lightly-coated chicken patties made and served on a sesame seed bun.

Anderson, who trained at the Culinary Institute of Canada and previously worked at restaurants in Halifax and Toronto told CTV News that much work went into getting the Chicken Big Mac just right.

“We knew we had to keep the identity, but how do we integrate the chicken part of it into that? It is a lot of pre-work that comes into this before we make something that goes to market,” he said.

Anderson went on to tell CTV News that the new Big Mac was inspired by the customers who for years had been playing with the original recipe — taking the chicken out of another sandwich and putting it in the Big Mac or putting the special sauce on a chicken sandwich.

Less than two weeks after its launch in the United Kingdom in 2022, the Chicken Big Mac sold out out “almost everywhere.”

Well, that escalated quickly. Your love for the limited edition Chicken Big Mac knew no bounds and it’s sold out almost everywhere. Thank you for lovin’ it even more than we thought you would, it’ll be back soon pic.twitter.com/8hEYNTF90R

— McDonald’s UK (@McDonaldsUK) February 11, 2022

Last summer, the new burger made its way to the U.S. for a test run and it is still unknown whether a nationwide release is in the works.

The limited-edition Chicken Big Mac will be available at participating restaurants across Canada on Tuesday, March 7.

Toronto celebrity chef Hemant Bhagwani opens Goa New York in the Big Apple

By

Jennifer Schembri

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1:48 pm

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Goa New York Dinner Dishes2 by Michael Tulipan_MST Creative PR — Photo: Michael Tulipan

After 20 years running a slew of successful restaurants in Toronto including Goa Indian Farm Kitchen, Popa Burmese Kitchen and Amaya Express, chef Hemant Bhagwani has opened a sprawling 7,000-square-foot eatery in New York.

“This is a very big step in my life,” said Bhagwani, who’s latest eatery opened its doors on Feb. 14. “I’ve been trying for the last five or six years to open a restaurant in New York and I wanted to see how Indian food could be done here. And of course, I love New York.”

Bhagwani who owns 37 restaurants in Canada, now calls New York home — he’s purchased an apartment with plans to reside in the city until the new restaurant gets on its feet. He says that the Indian food scene in the city is quite different than the one found in Toronto.

“There’s much more of a buzz around Indian food in Toronto and I do feel the food is better here,” he said. “But I do feel that New York is just getting into it and starting to step up their game now.”

Located in the city’s Tribeca neighbourhood, the stunning bi-level space features vibrant pops of colours, custom-designed lighting, wall projections and art installations. The space also features an open kitchen, which according to Bhagwani, makes it different from the other Indian restaurants in the city.

“It’s very hip, it’s very young. In India, Goa is like Miami, it’s a party place,” he said. “I’ve created a very modern restaurant but it’s still got the authenticity of Goa.”

As for the menu, Bhagwani says it’s similar to the one found found at Goa Toronto with a more elevated dine-in experience. Guests can expect modern and playful takes on Indian cooking which reflects Bhagwani’s travels, including trips to Europe, Australia and the Middle East as well as his time spent living in Canada.

Highlights include new items like the lobster idli xec xec, a dish made with black pepper spice lobster in Goan coconut xec xec curry and rice cakes; village fish curry comprised of whole branzino marinated and grilled in a banana leaf with Ambotik curry featuring tamarind and Kashmiri chili poured table side; and Bhagwani’s charcoal-grilled legendary lamb chops a dish he has served for 20 years.

Goa New York’s legendary lamb chops. Photo:Michael Tulipan

“The numbers have ben great, since I’ve opened we’ve been packed – it’s very hard to make a reservation,” he said. “Tribeca has treated me very well, the neighbourhood is so amazing and I’ve run into so many people from Toronto who now live in New York. It’s been an amazing welcome.”

The space, too, reflects the bohemian vibe found in the popular Western Indian state. Soaring above the entrance is a sculpture entitled “The Dance of the Peacocks” which pays homage to the Japanese traditions of origami and kirigami. And on the first floor, guests will find “The Tree of Life” constructed with white birch branches and inspired by the famous century-old banyan tree in Arambol, Goa that attracts visitors from around the world for yoga and meditation.

As busy as he is with the NYC venture, Bhagwani is not slowing down. In four months he will open Bar Goa in Toronto which will be located at 36 Toronto St., which he says will be similar to Alo Bar but with elevated, high-end Indian food.

Bhagwani applauds Toronto for the launch of Michelin Guide, and says his reason for opening a restaurant in New York was to earn a coveted star.

“Being awarded a Michelin would be my last hurrah in life. I’m striving for it, I’m going to go for it,” he said.

Goa New York is located at 78 Leonard St.

Here are the TV shows premiering in March 2023 that you just cannot miss

By

Ron Johnson

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1:32 pm

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It’s not often that we get too worked up about a month of streaming more TV, but March is shaping up to be pretty epic. And, we are not just saying that because Ted Lasso is back. It’s more than that.

It’s a busy month in streaming land, so to make sure you don’t miss anything too crucial; here is our guide to the most exciting new shows and premieres to arrive in March.

The Mandalorian, March 1

Yes, Mando is back and baby Yoda, too. When last we left our ragtag crew at the fringes of the Star Wars saga, the Mandalorian had waved goodbye to Grogu and baby Yoda went to learn to be a Jedi knight alongside Luke Skywalker. Now, season three is finally here and we can see what happens as the dynamic duo reunite in what is likely to be some sort of pitched battle to liberate the planet Mandalore. We cannot wait. And we don’t have to, it premieres today, March 1 on Disney+.

Survivor, March 1

This show is of increasing interest to us here in Toronto simply because people from the GTA continue to kick butt on the show including two of the past three winners: Maryanne Oketch won season 42 and Erika Casupanan won season 41. Both have connections to Toronto. Of course, to be fair, we let an American win last season. Season 44 premieres on Paramount Plus and CBS today!

Daisy Jones & the Six, March 3

So excited. This show, based on the novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, looks like it has it all. It’s sexy, rock-and-roll energy, stellar cast and compelling, conflict-riddled plot line has us champing at the streaming bit to get at the first three episodes to be released on March 3.

The Voice, March 8

It’s an almost entirely new bag at The Voice for the new, 23rd season. Kelly Clarkson returns, and the OG of show, Blake Shelton is back, but that’s it. Two new coaches settle in for the season: Niall Horan, and Chance the Rapper. Hmm, we are just not sure. But, for Kelly, we’re willing to give it a shot.

Ted Lasso, March 15

The man, the myth, the legend, Coach Ted Lasso returns to the pitch for another season of sitcom brilliance. This time, things are getting a bit more, let’s say, real. For the new season, we find Lasso fresh from a well-documented anxiety attack now having to deal with one of his coaches ditching the fabled Richmond side to head up another team owned by the show’s resident baddie. Oh, it’s going to be good.

Essex County, March 19

Okay, we are so excited about this series. It’s based upon the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name. The show is co-written by the creator of the original graphic novel Jeff Lemire. This is true made-in-Ontario story starring some fantastic actors including the amazing Molly Parker as well as Stephen McHattie. Lemire, for those who don’t know, is also the creative wunderkind behind the Netflix series Sweet Tooth (Check it out, if you haven’t seen it yet. So good.).

The Night Agent, March 23

If it’s one thing we love, it’s a good spy thriller and Netflix’s new show The Night Agent looks to be that and more. It stars Gabriel Basso as an very-low-level FBI agent who has his life turned upside with an innocent phone call. We love The Recruit, and The Night Agent has a similar vibe.

Yellowjackets, March 26

This show, streaming on Crave, stunned in the world in its first season thanks to its combination of supernatural horror, murder mystery and good old high school drama. And we were very amused. Anything with Juliette Lewis is gold, let’s just get that straight right now. It’s been almost a year-and-a-half but season two of this thrilling new show that follows a group of teenagers involved in a plane crash in 1996 is finally set to premiere on March 26.

Rabbit Hole, March 26

Toronto native Kiefer Sutherland is back to try and save the world once more. Doesn’t this guy ever get tired? This one hits a little different as Sutherland’s character works as a corporate espionage agent before he gets framed for murder. It looks intense and thrilling, with a great cast, including the wonderful Charles Dance. And, come on, it’s Kiefer.

Succession, March 26

Everyone loves a good black comedy, and Succession is definitely that. The award-winning HBO series, which streams on Crave, centres on the family behind a global media and entertainment conglomerate. The gripping series is back for one last kick at the capitalist can with its fourth and final season.