Open/Closed: week of April 6-12, 2017

By Stephanie Dickison

Spring and sprung and the rush of openings are back on. Say hello to 11 new spots to check out this week! Here’s the very latest:

Aunty’s Kitchen (6039 Erin Mills Pkwy) is now open in Mississauga. The Pakistani fusion halal joint serves up a slew of curry, kebabs, shawarma and biryani – and unlimited naans when you dine in. How many do you think you can eat in one sitting? Bagel Time (582 Danforth Ave.) is giving away free bagels all day at Friday’s grand opening. Doors opened Tuesday for Bond Running (329 Spadina Ave.), a new coffee shop where the love of running and caffeine collide. Get your Korean fried chicken, draft beer and soju on at Chimac Pub & Fried Chicken (500 Queen St. W.). Grand opening is set for Sunday. Hollywood Cone (1167 Queen St. W.), with its doughnut- and brownie-topped shakes (even they call them “mutant” shakes) and extreme cones and banana splits, finally arrived in the 6ix yesterday. Just in time for this weekend’s higher temps. The menu at Illstyl3 Sammies (300 Richmond St. W. #102) includes Philly cheesesteaks ($7.50-$12.50), hoagies ($8.25-$12.50), sophisticated salads ($7.50-$9) and Crab Fries made with fresh crab ($6.25). The name says it all. Oxtail Pho & Banh Mi (814 Dundas St. W.) boasts both oxtail pho and a variety of banh mi. After closing their Gerrard location just a few weeks ago, Ramen Raijin (24 Wellesley Ave.) has reopened behind Rabba Fine Foods. Gluten-free and vegan café Rosie’s Eatery (1726 Avenue Rd.) opens Monday. Tuck into oatmeal & yogurt, smoothies, salads, baked goods, raw treats, and still trending avocado toast. Grand opening takes place April 24. Little Korea’s Sharon Garden Express Bloor (710 Bloor St. W.) is serving up an array of buns, noodles and desserts. And Concept has launched at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.).  Promising to be “more than a pop-up store,” the first showcase includes Caplansky’s Deli, Eva’s Original Chimney, Nadia’s Chocolates, Nugateau, Pie Squared, and Uncle Tetsu. Let the lineups begin.

Nao Steakhouse (90 Avenue Rd.) has closed and  Estia is moving in. The new concept, scheduled to open at the end of April, will feature family-style dishes inspired by Greece, Southern Italy and Spain. Stay tuned. The Beer Hall (21 Tank House Lane) is closed for renos and will reopen later this month.

Congrats to Emily Pearce-Bibona, sommelier at Barberian’s Steak House, who recently won CAPS Ontario Best Ontario Sommelier Competition 2017. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2017 were announced yesterday. The top spot went to New York’s Eleven Madison Park, the first time a U.S. restaurant has nabbed number one since 2004.

***** Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Let us know at social@ypdine.ca with “Toronto” in the subject line.