Toronto restaurants and chefs offering holiday takeout and delivery

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2:09 pm

Things are a little bit different this holiday season. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place across Toronto, many families are unable to gather ’round the table for a festive holiday meal and are instead, opting to raise a glass (or a turkey leg) virtually. Preparing a holiday dinner is no easy feat but, fortunately, some of the city’s top restaurants and chefs have come up with their own versions of a festive feast that arrives straight to your door. From traditional turkey spreads to sizzling Asian-influenced delights, here are six Toronto holiday takeout options for a 2020 holiday dinner you won’t soon forget.

Cibo Market

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No holiday dinner is complete without wine, and Cibo Wine Bar is making it easy to indulge with the launch of their Italian-inspired festive baskets, available through its grocery e-commerce platform, Cibo Market. There are several sweet or savoury holiday meal baskets to choose from, ranging from $80 to $350. The Panettone Gift Basket ($180), includes two bottles of wine, alongside a collection of fine Italian chocolates and biscuits. The Charcuterie Gift Basket ($130) includes everything you’d ever need for a festive appetizer spread, like a carefully-curated assortment of meats, hard and soft cheeses and even grilled vegetables and dried fruits.

Chef Haan Palcu-Chang

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Chef Haan Palcu-Chang, the chef behind Thai BBQ joint Favorites, has come up with his own Christmas feast dubbed the “Kind-of-Asian” holiday meal kit. Spiced duck confit replaces the traditional turkey meat, and sweet and sour roasted cauliflower and broccolini salad with sesame dressing and fried shallots reign over boring steamed Brussels sprouts and glazed carrots. Soy miso gravy is included to drizzle on top and for dessert: eggnog cheesecake parfaits. This holiday meal kit serves two people (perfect for a couple) and costs $110. For more information, click here.

Beast Bodega

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What’s better than going to the grocery store and picking up a frozen turkey? Picking up a whole animal and having a chef create a six-course dinner from it. Beast Bodega offers a “whole animal” dining experience in which diners select a type of meat and then Beast‘s chefs create a six-course tasting menu (five savoury and one sweet) using a different part of the animal for each course. Lamb, goat, rabbit, duck, chicken, squab, pig and wild boar all cost $100 per person, while cow, venison, elk or bison go for $120 per person. For an additional charge, wine pairings can also be included with your meal.

TOCA

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For those who crave a traditional Christmas turkey feast, the Ritz-Carlton Toronto’s TOCA Restaurant has you covered. Available for pick-up on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25), TOCA’s Festive Turkey Meal bundle feeds between two and four people, or there’s another option that feeds between six and eight. All of the festive favourites that would take hours to prepare at home are included: seasonal butternut squash soup, three varieties of salad, oven-roasted turkey, traditional apple pie, along with stuffing, potato puree, gravy and cranberry sauce.

La Palma

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West end Italian favourite La Palma is offering its “Xmas Hamper,” which favours prime rib over turkey. Trussed with rosemary and ready to roast, the prime rib also comes with vegetables, mashed potatoes dressed with cultured butter and Gran Padano cheese, whole celeriac coated in hazelnut dukka and tahini yogurt and Castlefranco salad (pickled onion croutons and a creamy cider vinaigrette). For dessert: a pistachio cake laced with bergamot cream and marascino cherries replaces the traditional apple pie. This Italian-style feast serves four and costs $200 before HST.

Richmond Station

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For those who aren’t interested in a full family-sized meal, Richmond Station’s Turducken Feast should do the trick. At $55, the feast is fit for one and includes a slice of turducken (a hybrid of turkey, chicken and duck) stuffed with wild rice and herbs, a side of “cran-marnier” sauce, roasted root vegetables with apple cider glaze, truffled scalloped potatoes, charred caraflex cabbage and kale and Brussels salad with memolette cheese, plus bouche de noel for dessert. If you want a feast that will feed family and friends, for $159 you can purchase an entire turducken roast, trussed and ready to cook.

Holiday gifts that support small businesses in Midtown Toronto

By

Marlene Mendonca

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12:08 pm

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Holiday gifts that support small businesses in Midtown Toronto are the perfect way to get that special someone a unique present that big box stores can’t offer.

The Eglinton Way has an array of restaurants, pubs, bakeries, spas, and cute boutiques that will make for the perfect gift this winter. It’s also home to a beautiful Art Deco movie theatre that opened in 1936!

Here are some top picks for 2020.

A limited edition skin care kit from Che Bella Spa

Make this season merry and bright with the BioLumin-C Brighter Together Kit available at Che Bella Spa. This limited edition kit includes their most popular high-performance Vitamin C serum with an added bonus to reveal your healthiest and brightest skin yet! Set includes: BioLumin-C Serum (brightening Vitamin C serum) and Bonus: BioLumin-C Eye Serum (supercharged Vitamin C eye serum).

Cozy silk pyjamas from Di Moda European Lingerie

Our gift suggestion for the upcoming holiday shopping season is women’s silk pajamas from Di Moda European Lingerie. DiBen Lingerie from Italy creates this marvellously classic designed PJ in 100% Silk. Two-piece long sleeve pajama set with a small stand-up collar and full button-down closure front, made in Italy. It is a timeless piece that everyone will appreciate as a gift. Receive $25 Gift Voucher for every purchase of $250.

Stylish face masks from Victory Menswear

Victory Menswear has been catering to men who appreciate quality and understand elegance since 2017. Now offering a great selection of fashion face masks. These masks are made out of 100% cotton and have 2 layers of cotton allowing a person to breathe comfortably. Available online. Cost: $20

Gift card to Kozeta Salon and Spa

This year, treat that special someone on your list with a gift card to one of Toronto’s top hair salons, Kozeta Salon. Purchase a gift card for $80 for a $100 worth of service.

A stunning diamond bangle from Jewellery by Varouj

Surprise someone special with this custom-made diamond bangle, hand- crafted by award-winning designer and goldsmith Varouj. This one-of-a-kind 14k white gold bracelet is adorned with 10 dazzling baguette diamonds and 114 brilliant cut diamonds. Jewellery made by Varouj is created with a passion for timeless beauty and unsurpassed workmanship. Price upon request.

A gift card to Shelley’s Hairstyling

As a Master Colour Specialist in the art of damage-free hair colouring, Shelley’s Hairstyling offers you the chance to come and sample what colour should look and feel like! Present your loved one with a gift card from Shelleys – Holiday Special, pay only $50 for a $100 gift card.

How to Celebrate the Holidays Safely at Your Organization in 2020

By

Jarrod Daley

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9:30 am

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See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

This year, staying safe may require some changes to the way you and your organization celebrate the holidays. Despite the unusual circumstances we find ourselves living in, there’s still ways in which we can spend our time in the most enjoyable way possible – without sacrificing on safety. Canada’s leading personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond, is already planning creative ways to safely celebrate the holiday season with their continuously growing team throughout Canada. Their husband and wife duo, Sandra Ziskind and Jeremy Diamond, as well as Sandra’s brother, Isaac Ziskind, share some creative ways to ensure your organization is able to celebrate the holidays.

Virtual Celebrations

There are many ways that your team can celebrate together but apart. With social distancing paramount, it’s highly recommended to follow best practices and stay at home when possible.

1. Meal Box and a Bottle of Wine

While you may not be able to provide your employees with a great night together, you can give them the ingredients to share a fun night with their family. A holiday-inspired meal and a bottle of wine to share with their loved ones is the perfect gift for the holidays.

2. Virtual Games Night

There’s nothing more that Jeremy Diamond loves than a holiday-themed trivia night. He says, “whether competing solo or teaming up with your colleagues, there’s no better way to bring the team together virtually.”

3. Virtual Cooking Night

Isaac Ziskind is a fan of virtual cooking nights. “By incorporating dishes from all the different cultures in your office, you can keep everyone engaged in the virtual event while working towards a delectable end-goal”.

Bubble Celebrations*

Sandra Ziskind advises management to consider outdoor activities that every employee can enjoy over the winter. “Not everybody will want to go hiking nor will everyone be up for skating. By finding something that everyone is happy with, you increase the chance of a sense of team bonding over the holidays.” She adds, “if you do go skating, make sure to visit an outdoor rink and only get an indoor rink if it’s possible to rent the entire ice surface for your team.”

In order to keep everybody as safe as possible, only consider indoor activities that allow your team to maintain as safe a distance from each other as possible. Some good examples of this are paint nights or pottery classes.

A few key takeaways from the team at Diamond and Diamond:

When celebrating in an indoor space, make sure there’s enough room for everyone to be safely distanced while still making the most of the time together.
Try to pick activities that are conducive to wearing masks when in an indoor space – nobody wants to be working up a sweat while wearing a mask.
As always, make sure employees have a safe way to get home when the festivities are winding down – whether that’s a designated driver or sharing a cab.

*Always check for the most up-to-date recommendations as per your local Healthcare Minister – be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly to abide by any restrictions and suggested measures.

About Sandra Zisckind

Sandra Zisckind is a lawyer who was called to the Bar in 2003 and practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation in Toronto.

About Jeremy Diamond

Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.

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How holiday staging can help you sell your home this season

By

Nikki Gill

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12:21 pm

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Red Barrinuevo is the property stylist on HGTV Canada’s Hot Market and is the principal designer at Redesign4More. He is an award-winning interior stylist who was also named one of the most influential people in real estate home staging this year by RESA Global.

While some consider winter to be real estate’s slowest season, there are certainly some opportunities that make it a special time to buy or sell. Home-buying competition is lower at this time of year, making it attractive for serious buyers in search of their next (or first) home. The looming holidays are another bonus, but good intentions can easily go awry if not celebrated and decorated in good taste. If you’re selling your home, perhaps you need to put your personal preferences aside this year — which might mean leaving the 18-foot snowman blow-up in the box.

Don’t get me wrong, selling your home doesn’t mean forgoing the seasonal decor altogether. In fact, it’s important to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will make your house feel like “home” to the right buyer. Here are some of my holiday staging suggestions to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers.

Keep it neutral

This is the general rule of home staging in any season, but it applies acutely to your holiday decor. Limit your festive colour scheme to just one or two hues. This will keep it simple and classy, versus cluttered and overwhelming. Don’t stray from that scheme and remember: less is more! When it comes to holiday lights, a simple white string, inside and out, will create a classic, continuous look and sometimes, this is all that’s needed to add just enough festive flair.

Keep it non-denominational

People celebrate many different holidays, in many different ways. As a seller, your goal is to ensure you’re making everyone feel comfortable enough to hopefully consider your home, their home. Pack away the nativity scene and celebrate winter with evergreen wreaths, garlands, and candles. Before virtual tours or showings, light the fireplace, turn on all the lights and crank up the thermostat a few notches, to make your home instantly warm and welcoming. Potential buyers won’t want to leave — and that’s the real goal, isn’t it?

Accentuate the positive

Use your holiday decor to highlight positive features in your home. For example, a tall Christmas tree could be just the thing to draw attention to a two-storey living area. Other features to highlight include a tasteful display of candles on the fireplace mantel, garland winding down a curved stair railing, light strings to illuminate outdoor walkways and landscaping. When staging a home, accessories are methodically selected to highlight the home’s best features. Use your festive decor to do the same thing.

There’s nothing quite like our Canadian winters, and while we grumble about them an awful lot, most of us secretly have a soft spot for the season. Play it up by upping the cosy factor in your home, which will make buyers feel physically comfortable while also tugging at their heart strings.

Toronto’s beloved cake shop is opening a new location in midtown

By

Jessica Huras

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11:05 am

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Since 1986, La Rocca has been Richmond Hill’s go-to spot for creative cakes and pastries. Now, the bakery is opening a second location in midtown.

The new La Rocca Creative Kitchen will be located at 2638 Yonge St. and it will offer guests the opportunity to participate in the creative process as La Rocca’s pastry chefs dream up new treats.

La Rocca, famous for its super caramel crunch and truffle royale cakes, is constantly striving to develop innovative and whimsical desserts. The Creative Kitchen is designed to be a platform for chefs to share new ideas and to collaborate with the community.

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The Creative Kitchen and workshop environment was drawn up by La Rocca’s new head pastry chef and co-owner, Julie Montgomery. With more than 20 years in the industry, Montgomery, who previously worked as the executive pastry chef for North 44 and ByMark restaurants, is dedicated to opening up her kitchen to the community and building an environment where the pastry team is constantly inspired.

Formerly a teacher at George Brown’s Bonnie Gordon School of Confectionary Arts and a frequent guest on CityLine’s baking special, Montgomery is passionate about sharing her craft and love of baking.

The new La Rocca location will feature hands-on educational workshops and programming, where Montgomery hopes to inspire burgeoning talents from across the city, as well as amateur bakers looking to hone their skills.

The experimentation and food innovation room will be a space where guests can not only come to learn about the creation of La Rocca’s sweets, but also to help the team of chefs develop new flavour and texture combinations.

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The best part: guests will get to taste the cakes and deliver feedback and input on what they would like to see next behind the display case.

The new midtown location will carry all the classics along with a slew of artisanal chocolates, custom cakes and a menagerie of other pastries and desserts.

Montgomery and her team will be opening the new location in a matter of days. Keep an eye on La Rocca’s Instagram for details, plus catch a preview of the magnificent creations the team has been whipping up in preparation for the grand opening.

Bar Piquette co-owner busy with new Queen West cannabis dispensary and Ossington restaurant

By

Ron Johnson

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10:55 am

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JP Adamo's restaurant Crosley's — A dish at Crosley's restaurant

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 restaurant isn’t even in its own space yet, but it’s already hosting a couple of pop-up events including a New Year’s-themed menu out of Bar Piquette on Queen West, which Adamo co-owns.

Construction on the Ossington space began on March 10, just three days before the first lockdown, which stalled and halted a lot of his plans. No matter, says Adamo, who used the time to perfect and hone his brand and adapt to changing times.

The decor was changed after the second lockdown began, Adamo says, as he realized that dine-in experiences changed after Torontonians have spent so much time in their homes. Originally, it was supposed to have a dive bar motif with moody lighting and a dark rough-around-the-edges vibe. But, instead pivoted to a brighter, more open-space concept recognizing that people would want a spacious and airy feel when they left their homes for the first time.

Bar Piquette is inspired by wine bars in Paris and tapas bars in Barcelona complete with a cosy back patio. Crosley’s, he says, is intended to look like it had been there forever, a lived-in, local space just like staples in North American cities, with antique details, high ceilings and wooden furniture pieces.

Like Bar Piquette, Crosley’s menu will have small share plates, and the decor pays homage to the electronics store that originally occupied the location. He even kept the original flooring after pulling out vinyl tiles to reveal the treasure underneath. The menu is rife with distinctly Canadian, nationally-sourced items with an international twist, courtesy of tasting trips to London, Italy and Paris.

“It’s definitely not something that is supposed to be over the top,” Adamo notes. “It’s just really simple food and great products.”

At the same time, and just around the corner on Queen West, Adamo’s ’70s-themed cannabis shop Dimes is scheduled to open Dec. 17. The name, of course, pays homage to a dime bag of cannabis, which was common slang back in the day. He worked with design firm Indeks to create the brand identity and with local designers FutureTriibe for the interior.

He originally wanted to enter the industry five years ago, on the cultivation side, but just missed the cutoff. So, he pivoted to retail, although even then he missed the second lottery. But he got in when the market opened up to a regulated licence system.

Dimes will open by offering COVID-friendly curbside pick-up, with delivery starting Jan. 4, 2021.

“From the onset of Dimes, we have been focused on the customer experience and store design,” says Adamo. “Due to the current lockdown, we cannot host customers in-person in our store but are still eager to open and serve the vibrant Queen West community through curbside pick-up. We have been awaiting our AGCO licence since August, but with the new measures in place, have quickly pivoted to set up an e-commerce platform and engaged our team for delivery.”

Adamo grew up in the hospitality industry — his family owned a resort north of Toronto for over three decades until they sold it two years ago. They also built a winery from the ground up, another venture sold two years ago. It inspired Adamo to continue in the industry in which he grew up.

It’s an interesting experience opening two businesses during a pandemic, Adamo concedes, but he is proud of the work he has done and looks forward to having people safely visit the outposts’ physical locations.

Dimes is located at 1048 Queen St. W., Bar Piquette is located at 1084 Queen St. W., and Crosley’s will be located at 214 Ossington Ave.

A much-loved vegetarian restaurant is reopening tomorrow

By

Jessica Huras

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3:50 pm

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Herbivores rejoice! Shook is back on December 11 with a whole new menu, an expanded marketplace and seasonally-inspired take-home options. The popular vegetarian restaurant has added sharing plates to the menu that are ideal for ordering in, as well as healthy takeout breakfast items.

The Middle Eastern-inspired first opened in June 2019 and closed shortly after following a kitchen fire. The restaurant’s Instagram page has been hinting at a grand reopening since November, sharing tantalizing recipe testing photos and preparing fans for the arrival of a refreshed retail space.

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New menu items include ‘meze experience’ for two, which includes falafel with green zhug, whipped tahini, mushroom kibbeh and cauliflower tabbouleh, as well as on-the-go breakfast eats like matcha sesame lattes, fresh baked goods and mango smoothies. Shook is also bringing back some old menu favourites, including the celeriac shawarma and the shakshuka.

Working with local artisans, Shook has set up an online marketplace where you can buy local pottery, apparel, cookbooks, food, spices and even potted plants. Another exciting addition to the restaurant’s revamp is a boutique bottle shop that we’re eager to learn more about.

“This has been an incredibly difficult period for our industry, and the silver lining for us is the ability to give our community the restaurant and retail experience that they’ve been waiting for. We are staying true to our core ethos, focusing on providing the same quality and hospitality with takeout that guests have come to know and love in our dining room,” said restaurateur Hanif Harji in a press release. “We’re beyond excited for people to experience Shook during this difficult time and beyond.”

Shook is located at 77 Portland Street and is open daily for takeout and delivery (breakfast is from 8 a.m. -11 a.m.). You can order through the restaurant’s website, by calling 647-484-7476 or through Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, DoorDash and Ritual.

A new deli is bringing classic sandwiches to Trinity Bellwoods

By

Jessica Huras

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2:54 pm

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Lambo’s Deli & Grocery is filling a void in the Toronto lunch scene with its classic, sub-style sandwiches. Lambo’s is owner Justin Leon’s first restaurant venture, but he says he’s always had an appreciation for cured meats (and food in general) thanks to his Italian heritage. “My nonno would make cured meats in his closet in his basement and that’s some of my fondest childhood memories,” he explains.

On trips to New York, Leon was further inspired by the delicious deli sandwiches sold at bodegas across the city, noting Toronto lacked a similar lunch hour stalwart. After working on the concept on and off for almost a decade, Leon says he knew he had found the perfect home for Lambo’s when a convenience store he frequented at Dundas and Bellwoods came up for sale.

True to traditional bodegas and delis, the menu at Lambo’s Deli focuses on fresh, simple ingredients that are either locally sourced or imported from Italy. Bread is delivered daily from the Drake Commissary, while Lambo’s vegetables are roasted in-house and its meats and cheeses are sliced by hand, including roast beef which is brined on-site.

“I think that makes a very big difference in the actual taste and freshness of the sandwiches,” says Leon. “You don’t really get that experience in most places.” Lambo’s makes a number of other ingredients in-house, including pickles, Calabrian chili, black olive tapenade, pickled onions, fennel and pesto.

Lambo’s classic sandwich line-up includes the popular Italian trio, a combo of capocollo, mortadella, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted red pepper, pickled red onion, arugula, pesto, and Calabrian chili spread. Lambo’s also offers staple sandwiches like ham and cheese and tuna, as well as a veggie sandwich layered with roasted zucchini, red pepper, artichoke heart, fresh mozzarella, arugula, pickled red onion, pesto, black olive tapenade and Calabrian chili spread.

Aside from sandwiches, Lambo’s Deli offers a few salads as well as a grocery section stocked with basics like tomato sauce, olive oil and some of the deli’s housemade products. Leon says they’re also considering adding hot sandwiches and soups to the menu in the coming months

Lambo’s Deli is currently open for takeout and delivery. Preorders can be placed through their website.

Jeanne Beker on the season’s hottest trend — cashmere

By

Erin Neilly

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11:43 am

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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.

Whether you’re treating yourself to the ultimate luxury fabric or finding the perfect gift for the holidays, cashmere is the season’s hottest trend. We asked Jeanne Beker to pick her favourite cosy yet chic pieces from across the city.

A) Eye care

“It’s really pretty and feminine. A great gift or a little stocking stuffer. I think it’s very romantic.” Lemonwood.ca, $55

B) Turned up toque

“I love the lushness of this wonderful green toque. It has a hand-knit quality to it, and it’s a beautiful shade of forest green.” Gravitypope.com, $150

C) Pink patchwork

“I always appreciate whimsy, and this is adorable. I love the colouration with the blue patch heart elbows.” AndrewsCo.com, $498

D) Perfect paisley

“This has a real artisanal feel to it with the fringes. It looks very vintage and cowgirl chic. I really love it.” IntermixOnline.com, $4,410.97

E) Wrapped in luxury

“This wrap is fantastic. It just looks like the kind of thing you would want to wrap yourself in on the couch.” SnapdragonDesigns.ca, $225

F) Colourful cashmere

“This Pucci scarf is gorgeous. The colour-blocking is optimistic, and it’s nice and long. A great designer scarf.” SportingLife.ca, $869.97

G) Must have mustard

“The mustard colour is really on trend. It’s cosy. It’s got the little hood and a nice drawstring. It’s very chic.” BlackGoatCashmere.com, $495

H) Marvellous midi

“This midi cardigan from Akris is really luxurious. I love the modernity of it and the graphic design, and it’s reversible.” HoltRenfrew.com, $3,114

I) Timeless tweed

“This is a beautiful cashmere blend. I love the idea of a cashmere skirt paired with a beautiful boot. It’s a classy piece.” TheBay.com, $1,109.99

J) Sleepy socks

“I adore these bed socks. I love the stripes. They remind me of the Wicked Witch of the West. A fabulous gift.” TheCashmereShop.com, $155

K) Nordic chic

“I love this Authier jacquard sweater. It has such a nostalgic vibe to it. It looks like those old ski sweaters from the ’40s.” SportingLife.ca, $897.94

L) Pink panther

“These are like cashmere leggings. They’re pull-on, ribbed and in a beautiful colour. Very chic for home entertaining.” IntermixOnline.com, $798.94

A new Queen West bakery opens in time for the holidays

By

Marlene Mendonca

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10:18 am

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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.

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Almost everything is made on site and around the hour! So their offerings, though finite, are always fresh, with the spread varying day to day.

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The traditional pastel de nata is creamy and flaky and can be topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon, just like they’re served in Lisbon. Or better yet, the bola de Berlin or Berlin ball, is a light and fluffy fried dough that is filled with the traditional sweet creamy custard or you can opt for Nutella instead.

The cherry on top though, is their Kings’ Cake or the Bolo-Rei. It’s a traditional cake that is usually eaten around Christmas until Jan. 6, which is Dia de Reis or Kings’ Day.

The Bolo-Rei has since been a staple holiday dessert in all Portuguese homes. Baked from soft white dough and infused with various crystallized and dry fruits, the cake resembles a crown in absolute justification to its name. This special treat is only available on weekends.

The café also has its own century-old signature coffee blend, which has a dried-fruit note. “It’s the candied-orange aftertaste that truly makes this coffee interesting,” the team explains in a social media post.

Bom Dia Bakery is currently open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has a limit of maximum two people in the store at a time. Masks, of course, are mandatory.

Popular pizza pop-up finds a permanent home

By

Jessica Huras

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4:11 pm

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After a successful series of pop-ups over the summer, Toronto’s Filipino-inspired pizza concept is back with a brick-and-mortar location and a new name. Now known as Saints Island Pies, the restaurant has permanently taken over the site of its patio pop-ups, which was previously occupied by the now-closed Wallflower restaurant.

Co-owner Sean Santos says the decision to change the concept’s name to Saints from its original name, Pabalos, was a way to mark their transition from pop-up to full-blown restaurant. “We wanted to leave the pop-up where it was — separate it a bit and make this more official,” says Santos. The new name is also the English translation of his surname, which means “saints” in Spanish, adding a more personal element to the brand.

Saints Island Pies continues to serve the Filipino-inspired pizzas that the Pabalos pop-up was known for. The square, thick-crust pies are best compared to Detroit-style pizzas, although they’re slightly thinner and the dough is made with rice flour.

Toppings riff on traditional pizzas using Filipino ingredients. For example, the Bespren Longanizza is topped with longanisa, rather than classic sausage.

Similarly, the Tinapa Papa, which features roasted onion, smoked sardine, cotija cheese, roasted garlic and citrus dressing, plays off of a standard sardine pizza. Saints’ signature sauce, which includes chilli, garlic, lemongrass and roasted onions, also brings Filipino flavours to a classic pizza sauce.

The restaurant menu expands on the pop-up menu with sides like Adobo chicken wings and a Caesar salad topped with crumbled chicharron. They’ve also added the option to order small versions of their pies, which are made to feed one to two people.

The space now features a small bottle shop with Canadian beers and wines, which co-owner Chuck Ortiz says reflects their dual Canadian-Filipino heritage, as well as a growing pantry section with snacks, drinks and ingredients.

With indoor dining currently closed, Saints Island Pies is currently offering delivery through DoorDash and SkipTheDishes. Pick-up is available through Ritual or by preordering on their site.

How to make Leña’s garlic shrimp

By

lindsaylow

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11:40 am

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“We added this dish just after we opened up again after quarantine. It’s very reminiscent of summer and warm times. I always love having a dish in the fall and winter that gives a little nod to summer,” says Leña chef Julie Marteleira. “The clams give the beans so much flavour. One bite of this dish and you’ll experience so many amazing flavours complementing each other. It’s easy to put together but feels luxurious.”

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp finely chopped garlic
¼ cup sliced chorizo
¼ cup cooked romano beans
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp dry white wine
½ cup water
5 baby Yukon potatoes, pre-boiled in salted water
1 tsp each lemon juice and zest
1 lb clams (soaked in water overnight, change the water 2–3 times to purge any sand)
8 shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

In a saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil over medium heat until it starts to lightly brown.
Add in the chorizo and cook to warm through.
Add romano beans and smoked paprika.
Toast paprika for a few seconds and then add the clams and deglaze with white wine and reduce by half.
Add the pre-boiled potatoes. Add the water and bring to a simmer. At this point, the clams will have started to open.
Add shrimp and poach in liquid. Once shrimp are cooked add lemon zest and juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in butter off the heat and garnish with cilantro.