Notable Now: March 9, 2012

Just Opened: Chantecler
Named after a breed of chicken native to Quebec, Chantecler is the latest gastronomical gem in the Parkdale neighbourhood. It’s haute bistro style and French-Canadian menu are just two reasons to check it out. Expect a wait though: the restaurant seats only about 26. Find it at 1320 Queen Street West.

Just Opened: Bestellen
The city’s been waiting for this with baited breath…and raised forks of course. Runner-up contestant Rob Rossi from the first season of Top Chef Canada has finally opened up Bestellen at 972 College Street West. The big ticket item: a whole suckling pig, roasted in-house, with all the fixin’s.

Just Opened: SLICED
Taking over part of the building that was once a dilapidated motel is SLICED, a grab-and-go fresh, fast food shop that offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups and the like. Think Lobster BLT, Moroccan Lemon Chicken, and Fig and Prosciutto. Much of the menu was inspired by the owners’ travels abroad. Bonus, the space was designed by Toronto firm Cecconi Simone. 650 Bay Street. 

Beach Ball at Spoke Club
Join Martin Reader Athletics and a host of well-dressed sports lovers tonight at the Spoke Club for the Beach Ball, a fundraiser for Team Binstock and their Road 2 Olympics: London 2012. Flowing drinks, hors d’oeuvres aplenty, and guest DJs are all part and parcel of this special event.

Loft IIII Party
The fourth instalment of the famous-on-the-scene private loft party is tomorrow night. Where? Well you only find that out after you RSVP to weareloft@gmail.com. A who’s who of the city is playing host to this exclusive night, where the dress code is sexy chic and the crowd will dance it out to eight DJ sets throughout the night.

World Mastercard Fashion Week
It’s got a new name and a brand new bag: World Mastercard Fashion Week struts into town Monday the 12th, with over 35 designers set to showcase their latest looks and fashions for the fall. It’s always a glam-heavy time during Toronto’s Fashion Week, a veritable circus of our homegrown talent. Check out the Notable list for the week’s goings-ons.

Photo courtesy Fashion Design Council of Canada