It’s been a busy month in Toronto…yes, we know we’re only a week in, too. But there’s lots of news from the scene, so here’s a roundup of what you need to know.
We already told you about Bohemian Gastropub‘s launch on Friday, but last week also saw Williams Landing opening up in Liberty Village at 120 Lynn Williams Street. After several successful dry-runs, they opened to the public on Thursday night for full service. The owners of the Black Hoof have postponed the opening of BHCO until Spring 2012, but in its place have opened a cocktail bar. Vodka drinkers be warned: none of the clear liquid will find its way into any of the mixes at 923 Dundas Street West. Habits Gastropub just opened at 928 College Street West, and since they grind their meat in-house daily, we’re excited at the prospect of ordering a burger with some pink inside, just the way it should be.
Keriwa Cafe, a Canadian-inspired (there really are too few) resto in Parkdale, opened over the weekend, and will be bringing patrons locally and regionally sourced ingredients in a myriad of dishes. The Hoxton opened its doors on Saturday night, and kicked things off with a set by The Twelves and Kissette. And the Jack and Jones stand-alone is now ready for the denim-inclined in the Eaton Centre.
The Entertainment District’s getting a new joint in The Parlour, opening at the end of the month at 270 Adelaide Street West. Supposedly it will be an homage to the glam chic life of speakeasies from the 1920s. Oliver and Bonacini‘s new spot, Bannock, should open in the next week to two we’ve been told. The restaurant – we’re assuming it will be a Canadian-inspired menu, maybe akin to Canoe-lite – is at the foot of the Queen Street The Bay location. Caffe Bacio is opening soon on Cumberland Street in Yorkville. There isn’t much info out there, but it looks like this Italian-style cafe will serve desserts and some sharing dishes. L’Ouvrier Kitchenbar, another Canadian food restaurant (yeah, we’re sensing a trend arising), is setting up at 791 Dundas Street West, and Bier Markt‘s third location is set to open up at the Shops at Don Mills.
Applications for building permits for Gaucho Gourmet Market were seen at 614 College Street West, and an as-yet-unnamed restaurant will be going in at 538 Danforth Avenue. Affordable jewelry retailer Bizou is also opening a boutique on Queen West just east of Spadina, and the Queen Street The Bay location looks like it will be opening an in-store Burberry capsule, and a new retail food mini-shop in its below-ground level. There’s also something happening at 552 Queen Street West, but so far details are scarce to say the least. And finally, F’Amelia is opening at 12 Amelia Street in Cabbagetown. They’re holding a Name That Pizza contest where you build a pie, and if they choose your menu selections then they’ll name a pizza after the street you live on.
Image courtesy Creative Commons.