The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (February 13-17)

Written By

TasteToronto

2 years 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. Yokai Izakaya x Woodford Reserve host speakeasy dining experience

A curated dinner and cocktail menu in one of the city’s most exclusive venues will be sure to impress your Valentine this year.

For three days only Yokai Izakaya will be serving up a 5 course menu in Stackt Market’s secluded Woodford Reserve tent.

The menu includes a welcome cocktail with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, a variety of snacks and a Mentaiko Caesar salad to start. Next, an Ebi Nori Risotto with white miso nori butter and jumbo black tiger shrimp. The main surf’n’turf dish features an Angus Striploin and Lobster tail with pickled shiitake mushrooms and a Woodford Reserve jus. To finish, a Calpico Panna Cotta for dessert.

Tickets are $95 per person (excluding gratuity and HST) and spots must be reserved online through the link on the Linktree in their Instagram bio. Times are available this Friday February 10th, Saturday the 11th and Valentine’s day the 14th.

2. McDonald's and Toronto Raptor Pascal Siakam partner up to bring new McFlurry flavour

McDonald’s Canada is welcoming a new McFlurry in a first-ever partnership with Toronto Raptor, Pascal Siakam. Available for a limited time at participating Ontario restaurants, the chain's latest treat takes inspiration from Siakam's iconic spin move and the Raptor's team colours. It features rich and creamy vanilla soft serve, decadent hot fudge and crushed red Smarties.

3. Brasa Peruvian introduces new menu items

When Michel Falcon opened Brasa Peruvian Kitchen with the pandemic in full swing, he knew he was taking a chance. But, the man behind Baro, Petty Cash and tons of other trendy Toronto spots loves taking risks. And, so far, Brasa has offered many a reward.

His new chain is slated to open its fifth Toronto location in Leslieville in May, and is already looking into expansion across Canada and the United States. And, his most recent venture with the business is driven by the customers. Brasa Sauce is now available for purchase by the bottle, and a ceviche bowl was added to the menu. Ceviche is, after all, Peru's national dish, and Falcon's take is both satisfying and healthy, with Brasa's 72 calorie Tuna Ceviche bowl delivering 42g of protein per serving.

5. Piano Piano opens a new location near St. Lawrence Market

A new PIANO PIANO location is opening its doors at 55 Colborne Street, in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, and is the most over-the-top outpost yet. Outfitted in a carousel theme, the new spot showcases two levels. The top offers red velvet walls, banquette seating and large art pieces adorning the walls, and the bottom, the aptly named Carousel Bar, is full of whimsy, with bold blue moulding, massive portrait walls, and 1920s wallpaper.

The menu boasts PIANO PIANO favourites, from hearty mushroom cavatelli to a refreshing lemon cheesecake. Cocktails like Nonna's Garden and the Piano Piano Spritzer round out flavourful, modern Italian offerings.

Chef Victor Barry says he chose Colborne Street because he had his first date with his wife just up the street, so it has always had a special place in his heart. His newest iteration of PIANO PIANO is open daily for lunch and dinner.

6. De Mello Coffee Roastery opens a third cafe location

De Mello, the beloved Toronto coffee roaster and café has opened up a new kiosk location at 8 Spadina Avenue, also known as De Mello Coffee At The Well. Open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, you no longer have to trek up to Midtown for a De Mello fix. Along with their Yonge Street base, De Mello also has a location on St. Clair, a coffee lab in Montreal, and a kitchen and roastery in Concord. They’ve received numerous awards for their excellent coffee, and just released a Valentine’s Blend for the month of love.

7. Daddy's Chicken opens up in Leslievillle

Calling all fried chicken lovers! Daddy’s Chicken, new to the Toronto fried chicken scene, has opened up their first restaurant at 1276 Queen Street East in Leslieville. Daddy’s Chicken is open Mon/Tues/Thurs/Sun from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri/Sat from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Their menu has several delicious fried chicken sandwiches (including the Sugar Daddy sandwiched between two doughnuts and smothered in maple syrup and bacon) and a selection of incredible sides like spicy coleslaw and garlic Parmesan corn. Vegetarians, they sell plant-based “chicken fingers” that’ll scratch that itch as well. Daddy’s also sell spicy doughnuts, if you’re into that.

If you’re lucky, you might spot Daddy himself (look out for the man with the big grey beard).

8. Toronto is getting the world's first NBA Courtside Restaurant

Basketball fans, rejoice. The world's first NBA Courtside Restaurant is coming to Toronto this spring.

Described as "a premium, sports-inspired dining experience," the new eatery will be located at 15 Queens Quay East, just steps from the Scotiabank Arena, home of the NBA's Toronto Raptors. “There’s no better location for the first NBA Courtside Restaurant than Canada, where basketball has a rich history and tradition,” NBA Canada Senior Vice President, Leah MacNab, said in a press release. “We can’t wait to welcome fans and guests from around the world to this incredible venue, where they can celebrate their shared love of the game in a unique way through a delicious meal and welcoming atmosphere.”

Toronto-based, family-owned Urban Dining Group, which has been a staple in the city's food scene since 1989, will handle the NBA Courtside Restaurants's operations. At the helm of the kitchen will be Toronto-based chef Erica Karbelnik, who won Top Chef Canada Season 9 and Chopped Canada Season 3. In her role, officially titled NBA Courtside Restaurant’s Culinary Ambassador, she will develop a globally-inspired menu that complements the decor.

9. People question whether The Lakeview Restaurant is closing for good after cryptic Instagram

One of Toronto's most beloved and iconic 24/7 old school diners has posted to Instagram saying, "t's not you, it's us. Our relationship has been a wild ride, but it's time for us to take a step back." The post goes on to say that the restaurant will remain serving classic Lakeview dishes until February 28, 2023. The potential closure has yet to be confirmed.