Another week, another set of openings. Now that the chill of winter’s over and hibernation has seemingly ended for most of the city, we’ll be seeing many more restos popping up.
Chef Justin Cournoyer and wife Claudia Bianchi just opened Actinolite at 971 Ossington Avenue on Wednesday evening. He’s formally of Susur, she does food consultation and culinary production at Food Network Canada. They’re offering up but five apps and five mains on the menu, likely going for the less-is-more approach and really focusing on execution.
Camp Restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner at 244 Jane Street. It’s kitschy, reminiscent of someone’s kitchen/cottage, but that homeyness translates to the food so we’re not complaining. It’s great to see some culinary cuteness from time to time. There’s no website, Facebook, or Twitter, so we’ll file this under ‘Go and Explore’.
Flatbreads, sandwiches, and 10 styles of eggs benedict are the foundations of recent east side addition, The Commissary. It’s at 889 Queen Street East, and has a simple but drool-inducing menu, especially for weekend brunch. Plus, it’s quite endearing, so you’ll feel comfortable no matter when you go.
Banh Mi Boys near Queen and Spadina have reopened after some needed renovations. They hit the ground running a few months ago then suddenly closed up shop, prompting some to think they’d shut down. Luckily, the Vietnamese buns are back being served, and Banh Mi Boys just wanted to do a face-lift to accommodate more in the little restaurant.
Finally, it’s true: Queen Margherita is opening a second location in the west end. It’ll be near the junction, and the oven will supposedly be custom-built on-site to give the best possible fire-blistered crusts. You’ll have to wait until fall though, but at least those on the opposite end of town won’t have to trek nearly as far to get some superb ‘za from the city favourite. Whether you’ll be able to get a table…
Photo courtesy Banh Mi Boys