The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (May 15-21)

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. Eataly & Newfoundland’s famous Mallard Cottage team up for special menu collab

Eataly has unveiled its menu and programming details for the second iteration of Eataly At La Costa, a multi-part chef collaboration series celebrating Canada’s coasts at seafood-centric restaurant, La Pescheria. Eataly At La Costa: A Feast from the East with Mallard Cottage features renowned East Coast Chefs Todd Perrin and David Woods from the rustic farm-to-table restaurant in Quidi Vidi Village, just minutes from St. John’s, Nfld. Events for the series will run from May 25-27 and include tasting menus, cooking classes and more! Click here for a full list of events.

2. New ice cream shop Moonmilk soft opened on May 13

Moonmilk will soft open its first brick-and-mortar location at 1695 Dundas St. W. on May 13. The ice cream shop was founded in June 2022 by co-owners Elysia Leung and Sarah Davignon. They used to run the operation from a secret location at the end of a driveway in Parkdale, lighting a moon lamp to signal when they had ice cream for sale.

Ice cream flavours will rotate seasonally, with such flavours as Choc à L'Orange, coconut cream pie, Pistachio Dream, Jelly Donut, and mint fudge, available for spring.

Ice cream cake, cake by the slice, cookies, milk buns, and dark side of the moon buns (freshly baked milk buns filled with your choice of ice cream) will also be available, as well as whole cakes for order.

3. Eataly teams up with Malfy Gin for summer al fresco menu

Eataly Toronto’s al fresco dining experience, Il Patio di Eataly, is back for the summer season on Bay St. Teaming up with Italian-made Malfy Gin, the patio menu features tasty Italian bites like crispy arrancini di prosciutto, freshly-baked focaccia, creamy burrata, and of course, pan pizzas loaded with authentic sauce and mozzarella. Gin-based cocktails like Bee’s Knees (Malfy gin con Limone, honey, mint) are best-sellers, but you can also choose from a list of regional wines and Italian beers, too. Il Patio di Eataly is open Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

4. Rosé all day at Toronto's Rosé Picnic

There's only one way to spend the first official weekend of summer — picnicking with a bottomless glass of chilled rosé in hand. Taking place on June 24th at the Stanley Barracks grounds at Hotel X Toronto, the Rosé Picnic promises to deliver delicious sips, gorgeous bites, fabulous fashion and the sounds of summer all in one spot. Guests will enjoy select rosé wines, craft beer, pink bubbly, cocktails, mocktails and more alongside gourmet picnic fare provided by some of the city's top chefs and caterers, including Mark McEwan, Trevor Liu, and The Food Dudes. With manicure and lash stations, a roaming fashion show, flower crowns, braid bars, outdoor games and decorated areas for lounging, guests will find plenty to hold their interest, all day long. Each and every ticket sold will also help the Rosé Picnic meet its goal of donating $25,000 to the Women's College Hospital Foundation (WCHF). Visit Rosepicnic.com to secure your spot, then dress to impress — rain or shine — come June 24th.

5. Dave's Hot Chicken opens fourth Canadian location

Dave’s Hot Chicken, the Southern California spicy chicken franchise, recently opened its fourth location on May 12. Located at 328 Yonge St. near the bustling Yonge/Dundas square, the chain has rapidly expanded in Canada since opening its first location in 2019. Dave’s Hot Chicken was originally created in East Hollywood by best friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. Today, the menu includes all of your fried chicken favourites and sides, like tenders and fries, coleslaw, and of course, towering chicken sandwiches.

6. Dark Horse Espresso Bar opening two new locations

Dark Horse Espresso Bar is gearing up for an exciting expansion, with two new locations set to open in the city. With six spots already in Toronto, the two new cafes will be located at 1187 St. Clair W. and 100 Queens Quay E. Both new locations are set to open this spring. Dark Horse Espresso Bar has been a staple in the city for the last 15 years, and is known for its specialty coffees, fresh house-made pastries and breads, ready-to-eat meals, gourmet grocery, and a curated bottle shop.

7. New late-night lounge, Mr. Vander, opens on King West

Mr. Vander, a late-night lounge in the heart of King West, is now open to the public. Located on the second floor of private members’ club Clio, Mr. Vander offers a residential nightclub experience with lively entertainment, late-night snacks, and craft cocktails. Mr. Vander is located on the 2nd floor at 600 King St. West, and is open every Thursday to Saturday, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

8. Toast to National Aperitif Day with Aperol

An aperitif that carries sunshine in every sip, Aperol is a welcome guest, any time of day. To celebrate National Aperitif Day on May 18th, certified cheese master Afrim Pristine has partnered with Aperol to help Canadians create aperitivo brunch boards that pair perfectly with the Aperol Spritz — the season's most sought-after sipper. With Aperol, prosecco, soda and a twist of orange, this lightly bitter cocktail makes a perfect partner to sweet and savoury boards. Pristine recommends topping boards with high-quality, seasonal ingredients, such as fresh fruit, olives, charcuterie, cheese and pastries. For more brunch board tips, catch Pristine on The Marilyn Denis Show on May 23rd. To learn how to mix up the classic spritz, visit Aperol.ca.

9. Canada's 100 Best Restaurants announced, 30 Ontario restaurants make the list

Canada's 100 Best Restaurants announced their official selection, with 120 judges determining who makes the cut this year. Montreal restaurant Mon Lapin took the number one spot, followed by Toronto's Alo at number 2, Edulis claiming the fourth spot, Restaurant Pearl Morissette in fifth, Langdon Hall in seventh and 20 Victoria in 11th. Chef Matty Matheson's Prime Seafood Palace, new to the list after recently opening last year, made number 17. You can find the full list here.

10. Canada's 50 Best Bars were just announced, 16 Toronto bars make the list

Canada's 50 Best Bars have announced their official selection after a country-wide search, with Toronto bars staking their claim on the coveted list. Toronto bar Civil Liberties took the number one spot, with Bar Pompette in fifth, followed by Bar Raval in sixth, Mother Cocktail Bar in seventh and Cry Baby Gallery in 12th. You can find the full list here.

11. Toronto inches closer to allowing drinking in parks

Toronto City Council approved a motion Friday that will allow the consumption of alcohol in parks starting Aug. 5 to to Oct. 9. The motion will launch as a pilot program and Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff will consult with councillors interested in hosting the pilot in their wards. Currently anyone caught drinking in a public park faces up to a $300 fine.

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