The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (May 1-7)

Written By

TasteToronto

12 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. Toast to King Charles III with Coronation Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Royal York

However you may feel about the monarchy, there's plenty to love about high tea at Fairmont Royal York. Celebrate the coronation (or just the fact that it's the weekend) with tea at Clockwork on May 6th or 7th, and enjoy signature items that will have you feeling as pampered as Their Majesties. In addition to the usual sweets and savouries, the team will be offering Coronation Chicken sandwiches and a King's Crown dessert made with a Jivara chocolate truffle and shortcrust cookie. In addition, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' Lot 35 tea brand has launched the Windsor Blend to celebrate the occasion. A combination of Darjeeling and black teas, the limited-edition blend boasts notes of honeysuckle and may be enjoyed as you savour your afternoon spend in the lap of luxury. To reserve your spot at Clockwork's Coronation Afternoon Tea, visit Clockworktoronto.com. To purchase a box of Windsor Blend tea, visit Fairmontstore.com.

2. Eataly launches six-month pasta series with cooking classes and more

Starting May 12, Eataly is launching its brand new Icons of Eataly program in celebration of one of Italy’s most iconic products - pasta! Running through November, this six-month series, with a 12-day celebratory kick-off, features an ongoing schedule of limited-time pasta-centric dishes, classes and events. Each month, one iconic pasta dish will be made available in La Pizza & La Pasta to pay homage to Italy’s unique history and distinctive regional traditions. Additional monthly classes and events to be announced on a rolling basis. For the full list of events, click here!

3. Estrella Damm's Culinary Journey returns to Toronto May 1-31

One of Toronto’s hottest food events is back for another year. Starting today (May 1) and running through May 31, the Estrella Damm Culinary Journey is a month-long event that celebrates Barcelona’s signature beer alongside Toronto’s vibrant food scene, with more than 25 restaurants taking part. At select restaurants, you can experience prix-fixe menus designed to bring out the flavours of the premium beer. Participating restaurants include some of the city's most celebrated culinary hotspots, such as Baro Restaurant, Leña Restaurante, and Madrina Bar y Tapas. For a full list of spots to experience the Estrella Damm Culinary Journey, click here!

4. Treat mom to SoHo Hotel's "Momosa" experience

If there's a surefire way to upgrade Mother's Day breakfast, it's by preceding it with a luxurious hotel stay. This year, celebrate the mother figure in your life with a memorable night at The SoHo Hotel Toronto — a surprise that's big on indulgence, elegance, and the type of absolute wow-factor that mom deserves. On May 13th or 14th, enjoy a boutique experience in one of the hotel's Gluckstein-designed rooms (complete with stunning views and heated bathroom floors) and enjoy breakfast for two the next morning at Moretti. With a complimentary mimosa for mom, plus a tempting menu of morning specialties — from eggs Benedict with prosciutto cotto to egg-topped avocado toast — mom will feel as pampered as she should. To reserve your stay, visit Sohohotel.ca.

5. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with W Punta de Mita chef takeover at Skylight

If Cinco de Mayo's approach has you craving Mexico's vibrant cuisine, head to Skylight at W Toronto for a chef takeover guaranteed to impress. Headed by visiting chef Alejandra Sánchez, of W Punta de Mita, A Taste of Mexico brings an array of rich, regional dishes to W Toronto between May 2nd and 5th. A chef who infuses authentic Mexican flavours into every dish while celebrating her country's rich origins, Sánchez has led the team at W Punta de Mita since the hotel opened. For the Toronto takeover, she has created a menu peppered with shareable starters, luxe entrees, and striking desserts. Options include guacamole, lobster-stuffed jalapeños, and birria-style tacos, to begin, with grilled octopus, short rib and mole, and cauliflower tacos, to follow. By the time you surrender to churros with totomoxtle ice cream and Oaxacan hot chocolate or mezcal pear with active charcoal and ponche, you'll know this is a Cinco de Mayo celebration you won't soon forget. To reserve your culinary tour of Mexico on Bloor, visit Opentable.com.

6. Craig's Cookies debuts new flavour for Mother's Day

If mom prefers flour to flowers, indulge her with a new treat from Craig's Cookies this Mother's Day. Available only for the month of May, Craig's new Strawberries and Cream cookies combine strawberry emulsion and white chocolate chips into a seasonal star. Startlingly pink, delectably sweet, and just the thing to show you care, the company's freshest flavour is available at all five Craig's Cookie locations, as well as through Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes.

7. Sip 'N Shop at Kimpton Saint George this Mother's Day Weekend

If shopping, luxury, wine and relaxation rank high on mom's list of Mother's Day must-haves, make her dreams a reality at Kimpton Saint George this May 13th. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the 2nd annual Mother's Day Weekend pop-up features goods from local, women-owned businesses, organic tipples from Grow Wild Wines, and the type of splendid surroundings that make mom swoon. Ogle jewellery from Gold 'N Blooms, before browsing artisanal chocolates by Aline Nasseh, hot sauces by Smoke and Tears, stationary from The Good Card, and more. Treat mom to a couple of her top picks, and revel in her joy (as you relish your status as star offspring). To reserve your free tickets to the event, visit Eventbrite.com.

8. Subway Canada completely overhauls menu with 15 new sandwiches

Subway Canada has done a complete overhaul of its existing menu and added 15 new sandwiches with a uniquely Canadian twist. Unlike the old menu, where guests selected a bread, meat and cheese combo topped with veggies and sauces to their liking, all of the new sandwiches are ordered by number. For example, on the Canuck Classic, the sandwich comes piled with ham, maple wood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and smoked honey mustard. Guests can still add toppings, but the new sandwiches take the guesswork out of the ordering process. All of Subway Canada’s original sandwiches also remain on the menu.

9. Chef Nuit Regular brings Thai-style brunch to Kiin

Kiin, the Royal Thai-inspired fine dining establishment from Toronto restaurateur couple Chef Nuit Regular and Jeff Regular, has launched a café concept. The café will be a neighbourhood hub for guests to grab Thai coffee and espresso-based drinks, fresh homemade mini doughnuts, and other traditional Thai brunch staples like Khai Gratha (Thai-style Pan-Fried Eggs), and popular snacks like Patong Gho (Thai crullers). In addition to its brunch service, Kiin Café also has plans in the coming weeks to launch a Thai-inspired afternoon tea menu and offer grab-and-go options, providing flexibility for guests who prefer a quick and convenient way to enjoy their lunch.