The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (July 24-July 30)

Written By

TasteToronto

almost 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. New late-night Korean bistro opens on Yonge St.

Looking for a new spot to enjoy late night Korean food and a glass of soju? Horangee Sikdang is a new Korean bistro offering elevated fare at 431 Yonge St. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., this spot serves up small plates like the spicy beef tartare bibimbap and spicy pork tofu kimchi. Horangee Sikdang also offers larger mains that showcase an assortment of Korean-style meats and seafoods, as well as vegetable and noodle dishes.

2. Nani's Gelato opens new location in Markham

Nani’s Gelato recently opened its fourth location in Markham, Ont. Located at 86 Copper Creek Drive in the Longo’s plaza, the new spot is in addition to the chain’s two Toronto locations and another in Mississauga. Just in time for summer, new flavours include vegan pistachio almond kulfi, vegan raspberry, salted dark chocolate chip and more. Nani’s Gelato in Markham is now open Monday to Wednesday from 2 to 11 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 11 p.m.

3. One of Kleinberg’s hottest steakhouses revamps dinner menu

XXI Chophouse, a premiere steakhouse in Kleinburg, Ontario just outside of downtown Toronto recently unveiled a newly crafted menu and signature cocktails. XXI Chophouse is located in The Doctor's House on a sprawling estate. Complete with gardens and fireplaces, this high-end steakhouse and chophouse serve fresh and aged organic and USDA beef and new seafood selections. Wines and spirits can also be savoured inside or on the spacious patio.

4. W Hotel's Skylight Rooftop hosting Soca Brunch on Aug. 5

Following a string of one-year anniversary celebrations, Skylight at the W Hotel Toronto is hosting a Soca Brunch & Dolce Den on Aug. 6. Featuring DJ Bligh Sound and The Kenn Lewis Steel Band, the event includes a signature welcome rum punch, elevated entrees, unlimited appetizers and sides and a decadent dessert in the Dolce Den. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the event ends at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

5. North of Brooklyn shows off new space on Avenue Rd.

One of the city’s most beloved pizza joints has opened its seventh location. Two separate commercial units were combined to create North of Brooklyn’s 1728 Avenue Rd. location. North of Brooklyn is a contemporary take on a classic New York pizza parlour, complete with snug red leather and wood booths and a tiled floor, and a menu that invites guests to devour an assortment of wood fired pies.

6. Lee Restaurant reopens after four months

Lee Restaurant, previously located at 601 King St. W., is now taking reservations for its new outpost at 497 Richmond St. W. Run by chef Susur Lee, Lee Restaurant was a staple for fine Asian cuisine for the past 23 years, and has been temporarily closed since March 16. The highly-anticipated opening takes place on Tuesday, July 25 at 5 p.m. The new space has a private dining room and additional private dining spaces for special events.

7. %Arabica opening first downtown Toronto location

Kyoto-born luxury coffee brand %Arabica is opening its first downtown Toronto location, on Wednesday, July 26th, in Union Station. A brand rooted in the quest for the purity of a perfect cup, %Arabica is now the fastest-growing specialty coffee brand in the world with more than 150 locations dotted around the globe. Designed by world-renowned architect Jeremy Barbour, the Union Station iteration offers guests a clean, modern backdrop to a menu of espresso-based beverages, matcha lattes, matcha soft serve, cold drinks, and more. The city's second %Arabica (the first opened at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2022) is located on the retail level of Union Station, in the Bay Street Promenade.

8. Celebrate National Tequila Day with new Patrón El Cielo

When the week kicks off with National Tequila Day, you know it's going to be a good one. Celebrated on July 24th, National Tequila Day is all about honouring (and enjoying) Mexico's most revered spirit. Elevate this year's celebration with Patrón El Cielo, a new prestige offering now available at the LCBO. Made from 100% Weber Blue Agave from the Jalisco Highlands of Mexico, Patrón El Cielo is distilled four times to reveal the agave's natural sweetness and vibrant citrus notes. Ultra-smooth, crystal clear and sophisticated, El Cielo is best enjoyed on the rocks with a slice of orange.

9. New coffee shop opens on the west end

After nine years in business and the owner’s decision to move to the east coast, the beloved Black Cat Espresso Bar has closed its doors and made way for a new cafe in its place, Citrus Espresso Bar. Located at 1104 College St., Citrus offers a similar menu to Black Cat, complete with its signature bacon and veggie breakfast sandwiches (but with a different sauce), plus a grilled cheese, a caprese, and a signature sandwich with sujuk, inspired by the new owner’s experience in the food and beverage industry in Turkey. Mirroring this, Citrus also serves Turkish coffee. Citrus is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

10. MARKED Restaurant introduces late night menu

You can now sate nocturnal cravings with more than fast food thanks to MARKED Restaurant's new Late Night Dinner Menu. Available on Friday and Saturday nights between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., the menu invites guests to sample a range of vibrant South American dishes. From Argentinian Empanadas and Spicy Tuna Ceviche to Shrimp a la Parilla, Grilled Spicy Chicken Wings, and more, each offering is the perfect partner for the restaurant's refreshing cocktails and a sultry night on the town. To reserve your table, visit Opentable.com.

11. Forty Creek launches new butter tart cream liquor

Inspired by a Canadian classic, Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liquor is a velvety-smooth, indulgent treat ideal for whisky lovers with an affinity for baked goods. Recently launched in Ontario, the newest product from Forty Creek Distillery is a follow-up to the company's popular Nanaimo Bar Cream. Awarded a Silver Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liquor is a decadent blend of fresh dairy cream and flavourful Forty Creek whisky, best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or as a pick-me-up in your favourite coffee. "We know Canadians have a deep affinity for local desserts," said Forty Creek Master Blender Bill Ashburn, in a press release. "We're excited to unveil another spirit inspired by Canada, paying homage to the iconic butter tart, unearthing familiar memories for consumers nationwide." Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liquor is available at the LCBO, at the Forty Creek Distillery, in Grimsby, and on the company's website.

12. Support BGC Day with Mary Brown's Chicken

Today, Thursday, July 27th, head to Mary Brown's Chicken where a portion of proceeds from select purchases will support BGC Canada. During the second annual BGC fundraising day, $2 from every combo, meal and feast sold at Mary Brown's locations across Canada will be donated to BGC Canada (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs Canada). A national nonprofit organization, BGC Canada supports local boys and girls clubs with programs for physical activity, healthy living, learning, job training, leadership and creative expression. Knowing that every crisp, golden piece of chicken, each tender tater and flaky biscuit will help provide opportunities to kids across the country, you might just want to double your order.

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