The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (May 23-28)

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. Craig’s Cookies opening first franchise location in this Ontario town

Craig’s Cookies is officially opening its first-ever franchise location. This summer, downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake will be the first location outside of Toronto to offer a walk-in location of the iconic cookie brand, aside from Craig’s Cookies’ original outpost on Duckworth St. in founder Craig Pike’s hometown of St. John’s, Nfld. Currently, Craig’s Cookies has six locations in Toronto, and is a known staple for delicious, homemade cookies in fun and unconventional flavours like apple pie, strawberries and cream, and of course, good old fashioned chocolate chip! Craig’s Cookies NOTL location can be found at 106 Queen St. E., Unit E, Niagara-On-The-Lake. Keep an eye on their Instagram page for more updates regarding special flavours, promotions and more.

2. Valerie at Hotel X announces its summer programming

Spanning the top three floors of the luxurious Hotel X on the Lake Ontario Waterfront, Valerie will open up its rooftop oasis starting Thursday, providing the public with breathtaking panoramic views and an outdoor escape from Toronto’s hustle and bustle without ever leaving the city’s limits.

To celebrate the onset of summer, Valerie is introducing exciting new daily programming featuring unique experiences for all occasions. Start your week off with 5à7, or Cinq à Sept, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday to Friday with bespoke cocktail menus, small bites and shareables. The weekend gets better with the launch of Bubbly Brunch every Saturday and Sunday at noon. Live music featuring rotating local musicians and DJs will liven the 27th floor every Friday and Saturday culminating in the hotly anticipated return of Summer House Sundays.

The culinary offerings at Valerie are no less impressive than the planned entertainment. Culinary Director Jia Zou has created an assortment of new menu items, including the savoury five-spiced pork belly with satay sauce and toasted sesame; flavour-forward shrimp garlic noodles; and tiger shrimp with sweet soy, chillies, and crispy garlic. As for beating the heat on a hot summer day, you can sip on a Frozen Pomegranate Margarita or a twist on a frozen Espresso Martini.

Valerie's pool menu is also packed with delectable fares such as the tuna lettuce cups, made with ahi tuna crispy wonton, coriander, ponzu and spicy mayo; chicken wings with soy garlic glaze; shredded kale salad topped with spiced pumpkin seed, goat cheese and house-made green goddess dressing; and the Bao with Korean fried chicken. The seasonal spread is made in-house using quality ingredients that reflect the global approach of the culinary team. Guests can enjoy these decadent dishes while basking in the sun and enjoying the stunning cityscape.

3. Parquet launches French courtyard-inspired patio

French neighbourhood bistro Parquet has unveiled a new French courtyard-inspired patio, complete with a new apéro menu. Opening June 11, the patio will feature modern French snacks by chef Jeremy Dennis, accompanying wines by sommelier Lexi Wolkowski and a new house lager collaboration with Sonnen Hill that runs all summer long. The apéro menu will include small plates such as oysters, frites, salads and cheese, available from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and is available on a first come, first served basis. After 5 p.m. the menu will switch to the regular dinner menu and reservations will be accepted. Parquet’s patio is open Monday to Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 11 p.m.

4. Chef Daniel Boulud is coming to Toronto with one-night only menu

Café Boulud, located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, is welcoming back Chef Daniel Boulud for a special culinary experience. On May 31, Chef Daniel, in collaboration with Café Boulud’s Chef de Cuisine Colin Henderson, will offer a curated, five-course tasting menu that highlights the 30-year legacy of Michelin-starred dining destination, Restaurant Daniel. Each course will be paired with a wine selection chosen by expert Head Sommelier Anna Jarosz. The cost to attend is $365 per person, with wine pairings. Select dishes featured on the five-course tasting menu will be available at Café Boulud for a limited time following the culinary event. Click here to reserve your spot, as seating is limited!

5. Soak up summer at Soluna's secluded roof-top terrace

Inspired by Miami, Mexico, and other far-flung destinations, it's no wonder that a day spent at Soluna feels like a day spent vacationing at a top-tier resort. Now open for the season, Soluna's secluded roof-top terrace only adds to the spell, with décor, food and drinks inspired by the coast along with a lineup of local and international DJs guaranteed to keep the party going all summer long. Featuring flavours from Latin America, the Mediterranean, South East Asia, and more, the menu includes Tuna Tostada, Thai Noodles, Tiradito, and other tempting options. New for the season, Peri Peri Chicken with habanero salsa brings the season's heat to your plate, while Banana Bread with salted caramel makes a perfect finish to any meal. From El Diablo, a take on a spicy margarita, to the Strawberry Moon, a refreshing, nonalcoholic blend of strawberry purée, pineapple and lemon, Soluna's numerous cocktails and mocktails pair perfectly with summer's rising temps. To book your summer escape, visit Solunatoronto.com.

6. Sunny's Chinese opening patio early June

Beloved eatery Sunny’s Chinese is about to get a whole lot sunnier, and live up to its name. At the beginning of June, the popular modern Chinese spot is slated to soft launch the patio.

Items from the cold menu, including the soft tofu made with scallion and ginger oil, youtiao and sweet soy, as well as the husband + wife beef made with chili oil, tripe, shank and peanut, will be available. Sunny’s Chinese is also crafting a cold noodle dish that will only be available on the patio to celebrate the warm weather.

7. Popular Montreal restaurant is popping up in Toronto today and tomorrow

Elena, a contemporary Italian restaurant in Montreal's Saint Henri neighbourhood is popping up in Toronto to celebrate the launch of their cookbook Salad Pizza Wine. Find them tonight for a special dinner at Donna's from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (no reservations) or tomorrow at Paradise Grapevine's Geary location for a pizza party, starting at 6 p.m. and going until they run out.

      
  8. After 43 years in business, beloved Portuguese bakery Venezia Bakery has closed

9. Shangri-La Toronto's Veuve Clicquot patio is now open

Among Toronto's plethora of patios only one is kitted out in Clicquot yellow — a shade that's as stylish, thrilling, and (dare we say) seductive as any we've seen. Launched May 24th, Shangri-La Toronto's Veuve Clicquot Patio has returned, in time to support our summertime sipping in high style. Open daily from noon until late, the patio welcomes guests to a summertime oasis, where a special menu, cocktails, and Veuve, by the bottle and the glass, will be available for sampling. With a selection of starters, sandwiches, larger plates and desserts, you can settle in for a snack or for a full day of grazing. From Tuna Tartare and Chilled Asparagus Vichyssoise, to Veuve Clicquot Cheesecake, guests will find plenty of tasty bites to pair with every sip of bubbles. To reserve your spot, email the team at dineTO@shangri-la.com.

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