Celebrity chef David Adjey has checked into Chagall at the historic Windsor Arms Hotel, bringing his expertise and a menu of globally inspired Kosher dishes to Toronto diners.

According to George Friedmann, president of the Windsor Arms Hotel, the goal is to redefine how diners eat kosher.

“Dining kosher need not be restricted to those that only dine kosher, as kosher cuts of meats, chicken, and fish are often even superior to non-kosher,” says Friedmann. “Our goal is to attract Jews and non-Jews alike and observing Jews as much as non-observing. Religion should not restrict how you like to dine, [but give you] some exceptions only.”

Adjey brings a celebrated résumé that spans establishing Toronto eateries — from international fast-food chicken chains to modern French restaurants — as well as small-screen stints on Restaurant Makeover and Iron Chef.

“David brings with him decades of experience from world-class establishments featuring varying cuisines,” says Friedmann. “His techniques and artistry enhance the fearless sense of global flavours. He leads by example and inspires through experience.”

Chagall’s design matches the luxe of the nearly-century-old boutique hotel, as created by Lori Morris. The intent, Friedmann says, was to “create a feeling of luxury but on an approachable scale.” Think Murano chandeliers paired with marble tables, grandiose mirrors and high windows balanced with natural wood and stone accents for a chic Art Deco vibe.

As for the menu, Adjey has taken inspiration from around the world, beginning with sharable Vietnamese salad rolls, Korean meatballs and Thai spiced chicken lollipops.

The main show, however, lies in the steaks — from the braised short rib and boneless ribeye to the pricier Ontario lamb and classic beef wellington (there’s even a vegan wellington). Don’t skip over what Friedman labels the “superior” version of a filet mignon — the “faux mignon.”

The stunning meals can be paired with rare scotches and both signature and traditional cocktails and mocktails.

While Friedmann says guests have “appreciated” what Chagall has brought to the Windsor Arms Hotel, he hopes the global influences will continue to bring people together over a shared meal.

“[Chagall] allows for guests from all walks of life,” he says. “An opportunity to make the world a friendlier space for all to enjoy as eating together transcends all faiths, all beliefs and all cultures. When we see out commonality is when we can best resolve our difference.” 

A powerhouse of London’s Indian dining scene has just landed in Canadian hands, so it might only be a matter of time before Torontonians get a taste of the UK’s most iconic Indian eats!

MW Eat, also known as the Real Indian Food Group, is behind some of the UK’s most celebrated Indian restaurants! MW Eat has spent the past 35+ years redefining what Indian restaurants look and feel like in the UK, focusing on fine dining as well as more informal spots. It was recently acquired by affiliates of Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings in a deal framed as a sort of launchpad for global expansion that can lead to “significant investments” in new markets and formats.

Fairfax is very much a hometown heavyweight. The company controls Recipe Restaurant Group (better known as Recipe Unlimited), which is Canada’s largest full-service multi-brand restaurant company, boasting more than 1,200 restaurants across brands like Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, The Keg, Montana’s and New York Fries.

If you’ve ever been to Central London, you’ve likely spotted some of MW Eat’s most popular Indian spots. Veeraswamy opened in 1926 just off Piccadilly Circus, and is widely known as the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant (it even holds a Michelin star). The menu ranges from elevated street snacks to dishes inspired by royal recipes, using top British produce like Welsh lamb.

 

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Chutney Mary is the group’s first restaurant (launched in 1990). Here, diners can expect Indian food to be as creative and design-led as any Western fine-dining room in London.

Amaya is a Michelin-starred grill restaurant in Knightsbridge, so diners can expect refined, contemporary Indian cooking. Toronto does have a few quick-service Indian takeout spots with the same “Amaya” name, but they’re part of a separate Canadian-born brand and aren’t connected to MW Eat.

For more informal Indian cuisine, Londoners favour the four Masala Zone restaurants found in trendy neighbourhoods (Soho, Covent Garden, Earls Court and Piccadilly Circus). These restaurants focus on “proper Indian food”, so you’ll find pioneering street food, thalis, flavourful grills, regional curries, biryanis and more!

For now, none of the locations mentioned above have been announced for Canada, but with this new deal, maybe we can expect Veeraswamy or Chutney Mary logos glowing over our Toronto streetscape soon?

A popular Thai restaurant on King St West has shut its doors less than a year after opening, but the team behind it is already promising a comeback in a new form.

Same Same, the “Thai but different” spot at 303 King St W from Michelin-recognized chef Warakorn “Tempo” Suriyawong, quietly closed over the weekend, according to an Instagram post.

“It’s been a short yet memorable journey here at Same Same Thai, and with heartfelt gratitude we share that our doors have closed as of this past weekend due to trademark and branding matters,” the post reads, thanking guests for their support throughout the year.

 

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A post shared by Same sAme (@samesamethaito)

The restaurant opened in May 2025 in the former District Eatery space, positioning itself as a more upscale Thai restaurant in the heart of the Theatre District.

Chef Tempo previously led Vancouver Thai restaurant Song (by Kin Kao) to a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod before relocating to Toronto to guide the King West kitchen. At the eatery, Tempo built a menu that focused on regional Thai flavours and local Canadian ingredients, with dishes divided into “Same” and “Same but Different” sections, as well as signature cocktails inspired by characters from The White Lotus!

Thankfully, their story doesn’t end here. In the same Insta post, the owners revealed that the space will soon reopen.

“While this moment is bittersweet, it also marks the beginning of something extraordinary. The team behind Same Same is thrilled to unveil the new and better flagship @Thairoomgrand Downtown, opening for soft launch on November 26th.”

This flagship will feature exclusive signature Thai dishes with a modern, refined flair, offerings that you won’t find at any other Thairoomgrand location.

“We look forward to welcoming you back and sharing this next chapter with you in the days ahead,” the owners stated in the Instagram post.

 

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Thairoomgrand already operates multiple locations across the GTA and is known for a more classic lineup of Thai staples, think curries, stir-fries, noodles and rice dishes, all served in a casual, contemporary setting.

News of the closure has already sparked a reaction from regulars, many of whom are hopeful about the future.

‘Sad to see you go. And I know the thairoom grand will be just as delicious’ one user commented, while another added, ‘Look forward to trying the new Thairoom Grand.’

If you’ve ever listened to an Irish friend complain that Toronto has great food but nowhere to get a proper spice bag, just point them to Ossington Ave.

The Golden Dragon is nestled on the Ossington strip, just west of Trinity Bellwoods Park, and is known for the tastiest Irish-Chinese comfort food. If you’re new to this culinary mash-up, it’s a Chinese takeaway style developed in Ireland! The most famous example is literally called a spice bag: a mix of crispy chicken, fries, onions and peppers tossed in a chilli-and-five-spice blend, often piled into a paper bag or container.

The restaurant’s most popular item is the Spice Bag + Curry Sauce ($24), built from 9 oz of crispy chicken with onions, peppers, chips and curry sauce, so exactly the kind of spicy-starchy comfort food that Irish influencers are raving about!

Jamie Harkin (“Just an Irish boy who fell in love with Canada”) recently hailed the restaurant as the most Irish-Chinese experience in the country.

 

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You can also order riffs on the Irish 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 takeaway classics that combine “chips” (fries), rice and curry in one container. Try the 3-in-1 (half egg-fried rice, half fries, curry sauce) or a 4-in-1 that ups the ante with crispy chicken on top of egg-fried rice and chips, all drowned in curry.

The space also serves familiar Chinese-Canadian faves, like Singapore noodles with bean sprouts, peppers and madras curry; chicken balls with your choice of sauce; crispy chilli beef; and delicious comfort curries (both chicken and beef versions). Or indulge in classic starters, like sesame prawn toast, spring rolls, duck rolls and a crispy quarter duck with pancakes, hoisin, cucumber and scallions.

The Golden Dragon is located at 214 Ossington Ave. It’s open from Thursday to Monday from 5 pm to late.

If you’re craving more Irish-Chinese creations, you don’t need a flight to Dublin! Here are a few more spots where you can get red hot Irish Spice Bags in Toronto right now.