The latest news in COVID-related restaurant shutdowns comes from one of Toronto's favourite spots for comfort food, drinks and live music, Tennessee Tavern.
The Parkdale restaurant and bar, owned by Grant van Gameren of Bar Raval, Bar Isabel, Rosalinda and El Rey (among others), served as a beloved Eastern European joint and was well known for their all-you-can-eat pierogi nights and casual, cozy atmosphere.
Over the years, they have also hosted various live bands and special events in the quirky and dimly-lit space. Despite believing that heavier food is not the best strategy right now, van Gameren is not actually shutting the property down for good. Rather, he's replacing the restaurant with a completely different concept, Gianna's Pies and Patties, which is currently being rolled out for takeout and will continue to operate as such until dining rooms are back open. The hope is that post-pandemic, it will serve as a friendly neighbourhood spot to grab a delicious, unfussy meal and a beer while watching the game with friends.
Gianna's, which cooks up Detroit-style pan pizza, juicy burgers and a few salads and sides, is now accepting online takeout orders for curbside pickup, plus the option to grab beer or wine with your food. They're also operating on Uber Eats for those who'd like their meal delivered. Although Gianna's is a totally new direction for the former Tennessee Tavern space, we're glad to see the spot being occupied by what will hopefully become another neighbourhood favourite. The Tavern will be missed!
