The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (March 13-19)

Written By

TasteToronto

1 year ago

Check out what's happening in Toronto this week, from highly anticipated openings, closures, events, pop-ups and more -- the round-up is your number one source for staying up to date with Toronto's fast-paced food scene!

1. Dine out for a good cause at Sunnys Foreign United People fundraising event

It's always a good day for Sunnys Chinese. Still, on March 22, there are more reasons than ever to head to Kensington Market for the team's takes on regional Chinese specialities. Next Wednesday, Sunnys is hosting a fundraising event in support of Foreign United People, a refugee-run organization that works to provide direct relief to those displaced by war, persecution and natural disasters.

Taking place between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., the fundraising event includes passed canapés and sake stations, along with a live DJ, raffle, and more. Tickets are $70 per person with all proceeds going toward FUP. To purchase yours, visit Resy.com.

2. The Unblock unConference will spearhead inclusion in Canada’s hospitality industry

On March 28, a two-day event called The Unblock unConference, is set to launch, spearheading conversation, advocacy, equity, diversity and inclusion in Canada’s hospitality industry. Speakers include creative Justin Wu, chef Erica Karbelnik and more, and the closing event is a cocktail reception and fundraiser hosted in collaboration with Will Lou and Alex Wong of “The Raptors Show.”

"We are thrilled to be launching the Unblock unConference in Toronto," said Trevor Lui, Co-Founder of Unblock. "The hospitality industry has the transformative power to change and contribute to a more open, diverse and inclusive society. We are so excited to bring Canada’s top industry leaders to discuss how we can make a lasting difference.”

Tickets for the entire event are on sale for $598, but tourism and hospitality students and front-line workers can purchase the same ticket for $100.

3. Head to The Royal Hotel for a taste of Maple Madness

Few things scream spring quite like maple syrup. Celebrate the season with the team at The Royal Hotel, and a Maple Madness menu guaranteed to satisfy your craving for spring's sweetest prize.

Launching on March 16, The Royal Hotel's Maple Madness menu glorifies Canada's favourite syrup in a tempting array of cocktails and dishes. Combined with Scotch and shagbark bitters, in the Ol' Smoked cocktail, or added to short rib, bone marrow, scallops and pork and beans by chef Albert Ponzo, maple syrup makes several appearances on a menu that deftly highlights its diversity and undeniable deliciousness.

For a staycation that's as sweet as they come, head to Picton this month for a maple syrup binge you won't soon forget.

4. Bakery Pompette is now open

One of Toronto’s most popular French restaurants, Pompette, now has a bakery. Bakery Pompette offers a selection of breads, baked goods, and pastries, as well as teas and coffee with beans from local roaster De Mello. Insider tip: go early, as the super popular croissants often sell out!

After a ton of anticipation, the bakery opened its doors at the beginning of the month, and is located in Little Italy, at 655 College Street, near Grace Street. It’s open from Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5. Chez Paul Crêperie now open on Queen Street West

Just in time for spring strolls, weekend wanders and park picnics, a traditional taste of Brittany has arrived on Queen Street West. At Chez Paul, a menu of sweet crêpes and hearty, savoury galettes satisfy guests' every craving, whether they're hunting down lunch, desperate for dessert, or simply need a bite to keep their energy from waning.

Opened on March 1, in Dlish Cupcakes' old home at 833 Queen Street West, Chez Paul is the spot for a tempting variety of classic dishes. Currently, the menu includes savoury galettes, made with buckwheat flour, and filled with a range of temptations — from Emmental with egg, mushrooms and ham to smoked salmon, with spinach and lemon sauce. Sweet options arrive warm, oozing with your choice of hazelnut spread, homemade strawberry jam, maple syrup, lemon and sugar, and more.

Chez Paul is open seven days a week, from 12pm.

6. Break a sweat this weekend with a Sun Salutation Challenge Fundraiser at 10XTO

This weekend, carve out time to challenge your body for a good cause at Hotel X Toronto's Sun Salutation Challenge Fundraiser, held in partnership with Lululemon. Dubbed Flowing For Our Sisters, the event will be taking place on March 19, from 5p.m. to 7p.m.

Joined by Hotel X Toronto's yoga instructors, participants will move through 108 sun salutations, in celebration of women and their empowerment. With the sunset as a backdrop, music by DJ Carmelinda DiManno, and all proceeds being distributed evenly between three charities (MMIP Who Is Missing, Red Cross for the Earthquake in Turkey & Syria and Library in A Week), the event promises to energize, inspire generosity and make you sweat.

To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.ca.

7. Get your hands on Toronto's best new bagel from a weekly pop-up

Operating out of Bar Sugo (previously Conzo's) at 1279 Bloor St W, chef Joel Presant of Bar Sugo is dishing out weekly drops of his beloved bagels. Bagels can be pre-ordered here! Don't expect New York-style or Montreal-style, chef Presant's bagels are unique and definitely worth trying.

8. The team behind Dam Sandwiches opens second restaurant on Bloor

A second iteration of Dam Sandwiches has opened in Bloordale Village called The 1211. Open for lunch and dinner, you'll find sides, sandwiches and small plates on the menu.

9. A new speakeasy is coming to Ossington

Bar Habana, an offshoot from the team behind La Cubana, opened a few months ago in Toronto's east end. With a focus on Cuban brunch and cocktails, the restaurant has unfortunately shuttered its new location. Thankfully, the concept is migrating to Ossington Street and will be tucked away behind the famed La Cubana. The bar is set to open sometime in March.

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