The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (June 12-June 18)

Written By

TasteToronto

11 months 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 Miller Tavern being unveiled June 14

On June 14, one of Toronto’s most iconic taverns is relaunching with a new look and a new vibe -- just in time for summer.

The new Miller Tavern’s launch party will take place over the entire multi-level space, and offers live music, summer cocktails, and special performances. The venue is located in North York’s York Mills neighbourhood, at 3885 Yonge Street. Miller Tavern also has a massive patio and serves dishes from the land, the sea, and everything in between. It is open for both lunch and dinner.

2. Moxies new Ah Summer feature menu

Canadian restaurant chain Moxies just unveiled a new menu for the warmer season, including seven new menu items that celebrate the sunshine and the summer.

The new additions span all courses of a meal (and even the cocktail menu!) and include a spicy cashew queso dip, a lemon and asparagus spaghettini, and a smashed avocado dip. Cocktail options span from a watermelon sangria, a vacation-inspired mai tai, and a spicy mezcal and watermelon margarita.

The new menu is available at Moxies restaurants across the country.

3. After a devastating fire, King West's Myth restaurant has reopened

Less than four months after a fire forced its closure, Myth restaurant has reopened for business. As of June 11th, King West is once again the spot for blazing saganaki, garden fresh salads topped with briny feta blocks, and seafood towers trimmed with the freshest seafood this side of the Mediterranean. Showcasing a revamped menu and look, the eatery has lost none of its cachet as one of the neighbourhood's top spots for fine food, dishy drinks, and the type of entertainment and people watching that generally incurs a hefty fee. Myth is open seven days a week, from 5:00 p.m. until late. To reserve your table, visit Sevenrooms.com.

4. Enjoy limited-time creations by Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa at Minami, Miku and TORA

If you've always wanted to sample Michelin-calibre plates (without Michelin-style prices), now's your chance. Throughout the month of June, diners will find dishes created by chef Ryusuke Nakagawa, of Yorkville's Michelin-starred Aburi Hana, at sister restaurants Minami, Miku and TORA. Created to celebrate summer's return, each item puts the focus on seasonality combined with the distinctive Aburi Restaurant style. On June 12th, as part of its summer menu, Minami will debut three dishes in its Michelin chef collaboration series. At Miku, executive chef Junnosuke Fujikawa and Nakagawa have created six new dishes. Highlights include Hamachi Crudo with yuzukosho sumiso, ito toragashi, kinome, hanaho pickled beet, and negi oil; and thinly sliced A5 wagyu wrapped around seasonal vegetables with wagyu mayo, chia seed umami soy, parsley oil, hanaho, and nori rice cracker. A selection of singular seasonal dishes can also be found at Yorkdale's TORA, where the tradition of aburi sushi is combined with a technology-forward approach to dining. To reserve a table at Minami, visit Opentable.ca. For Miku, Opentable.ca. TORA is walk-in only.

5. Ristorante Sociale is King West's newest dinner party destination

King West has a new home for sophisticated dinner and dancing with Italian flair. Created by the team behind Michelin Bib Gourmand award recipient Enoteca Sociale, Ristorante Sociale brings sophisticated plates of Roman and Tuscan fare, live entertainment, elegant tipples, DJs, and a luxe atmosphere to 545 King Street West. "Our goal was to create an all-night affair, where guests can come for exceptional food and drink and stick around for an exciting party reflective of the celebratory approach and traditions in Italy,” said Deni Di Tullio, partner at Ristorante Sociale, in a press release. Between Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 5:30 until late, guests will delight in a menu of traditional Italian cuisine — think pasta, risotto, branzino, and tenderloin paired with complex Barolo sauce — paired with roving entertainers who lend the space an enchanting aura. Later on, DJs turn up the music, and dancing, bottle service, and King West's magnetic nighttime energy take hold. To reserve your table, visit Opentable.ca.

6. Forty Creek Distillery introduces its first whisky master class

Make this the summer you work on your whisky wisdom with the first ever Niagara Whisky Guild, at Forty Creek Distillery. Opened in 1972, Forty Creek was established to carry on a tradition of making eau de vie at the family distillery in Switzerland. Since then, the team in Grimsby has carved out a new path for Canadian whisky, with bold, flavourful products such as Barrel Select, Copper Pot, and more. Now, whisky enthusiasts are invited to join in a series of three master classes with the brand's Master Blender, Bill Ashburn, and Campari Academy Ambassador, Chris Thompson. Courses will take a deep dive into the industry, including an in-depth look into Forty Creek's origins and impacts. Participants will also be invited to explore cocktail techniques with top GTA mixologists and bartenders, learn about the art of aging and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Forty Creek Distillery. Best of all, each class will afford students the opportunity to taste best-in-class whiskies. Complete all three courses, and receive an official certification signifying your mastery of whisky. To view classes and elevate your position in the world of food and drink, visit Fortycreekwhisky.com.

7. The Vic Social is now open in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has a new spot for dining, dancing and retro vibes. Opened in May, The Vic Social pairs fancified diner classics, vintage arcade games, and sleek decor with a '70s, '80s and '90s soundtrack guaranteed to thrill customers who lived through those decades (and those who wish that they had). Located at 166 Picton Main Street, in Picton, the restaurant welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. A late-night menu and dancing are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, until 2am. On a menu built around ingredients sourced from The County, guests will find popular breakfast items, such as Crispy Chicken & Waffles, Eggs Benedict and Sprinkle Pancakes. For lunch and dinner, diner basics — wings, burgers, etc. — join sophisticated options like Coconut Shrimp, Crab Cakes, and salads, on a menu with options for everyone. To drink, a selection of classic cocktails and local wine and beer vie for attention with extreme milkshakes made with, or without, booze. "In the heart of Picton, we now have a destination for people of all ages to dine, dance and play,” said Gary Wilson, owner of The Vic Social, in a press release. “I’m excited to see all the locals and tourists come together at The Vic Social and make new memories!” To learn more, visit @the.vic.social.

8. Hotel X and Grey Goose partner for French-inspired lawn bowling event

From July 5 to July 9, Torontonians are invited to the North Lawn Stanley Barracks at Hotel X for a friendly game of pétanque — lawn bowling with a French twist. Sponsored by Grey Goose, packages can be reserved for up to six friends for a total of $270 (roughly $45 per person). After a match at the Lawn Club, guests can enjoy a Grey Goose cocktail in the French park-inspired Clubhouse. Reservations for the event can be made here.

9. Tim Hortons launches credit card with zero fees

Tim Hortons recently introduced the Tims Credit Card, a Mastercard credit card backed by Neo Financial. The Tims Credit Card can be applied for, approved and managed entirely through the Tim Hortons app on your phone. There will also be a version of the Tims Credit Card offered to Canadian residents who have limited or no credit history – like students and newcomers – that will earn Tims Rewards Points and can help build their credit. The Tims Credit Card has no annual fee1 and earns Tims Rewards Points everywhere you shop, and is seamlessly linked to the Tim Hortons app.