The Roundup: This Week in Toronto (May 8-14)

Written By

TasteToronto

over 1 year ago

Check out what's happening in Toronto this week, from highly anticipated openings, closures, events, pop-ups and more -- the round-up is your number one source for staying up to date with Toronto's fast-paced food scene!

1. Chica launches bottomless brunch concept

King-West hotspot, Chica, has launched a new, unique tapas-based experience that invites guests to order unlimited dining rounds from a dim sum-style menu card for $55 per person. Taking place on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Barcelona-inspired spot also features a ‘bottomless sangrias’ option, with a choice of a spiced red, white, or sparkling-based cocktail along with the option to taste all three flavours, for $45 per person. Brunch staples include croqueta with black truffle, ham and Manchego cheese, patatas bravas with duck fat pave, quail egg, black garlic and tomato, as well as a wide selection of other pintxos, Spanish meats and gourmet cheeses.

2. Local purple gin-based cocktail hits shelves at the LCBO

Looking for something sweet and low-calorie to sip on this summer? Ontario-based Ernest Cider Co. Ltd. has launched a handcrafted, canned cocktail ($3.25 per can) called Navy Street. A bright magenta colour, the drink is made with gin (4.8% ABV), a blend of fresh lemon, pear and blueberry juices, and a touch of soda for a refreshing fizz. The cocktail packs just seven grams of sugar and 150 calories into a 473 ml can. Navy Street is now available in stores at the LCBO until September.

3. Sweeten this Mother's Day with The St. Regis Toronto

From first-time moms to mother figures with years of practice feigning surprise at home-made curios and singed plates of toast, there's none who wouldn't welcome a Mother's Day treat from The St. Regis Toronto. This year, indulge mom's sweet tooth with the Queen's Cake — a towering confection guaranteed to make anyone feel pampered. With 14 layers of lemony sponge, blueberry and lavender buttercream, and a side of ice cream scented with the hotel's signature Midnight Blossom tea, you'll want to order an entire cake to share, though slices are also on offer. Prefer to treat mom to something grander? From a lavish brunch at Louix Louis to the Queen's Package — which includes overnight accommodations, a spa treatment, $100 dining credit, and more — The St. Regis Toronto has plenty of ways to make mom's Mother's Day dreams come true. To purchase Queen's Cake, visit Louixlouis.com. To book the Queen's Package, visit Marriott.com.

4. All-you-can-taste Wine Fest Toronto returning this summer

Grab your liquid passport, Wine Fest Toronto is returning this July. A celebration of wines from around the globe, the third iteration of the event will take place at Toronto's largest patio, RendezViews, between July 7th and 9th. Guests can opt for one of four, three-hour windows, then embark on a journey through the world's greatest wine regions. Sourced from near and far (think Niagara-On-The-Lake to New Zealand), each of the 100 unique wines on offer will be curated for the event by Super Wine Girl, Angela Aiello. Tickets include as many samples as you can responsibly enjoy, and food will be available for purchase at the event. To get your tickets, visit Winefesttoronto.com.

5. Adrak Yorkville drops age restrictions for Mother's Day

Whether the babysitter is MIA, you've got budding gastronomes at home, or you simply want to celebrate Mother's Day en masse, you'll want to reserve a table at Adrak Yorkville this May 14th. A place where children are generally verboten (to ensure a serene experience for all), the team is doing away with age-related restrictions in honour of mother figures this Mother's Day. An official Toronto Michelin Guide Selection, Adrak is known for its menu of elegant Indian dishes and bright, bracing cocktails served in a gorgeous space. To reserve a table for lunch, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., or dinner, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., visit Adrakyorkville.ca. Just keep in mind, though kids will be welcomed with open arms on May 14th, high chairs are not available.

6. Wendy's Canada launches Egg BLT breakfast sandwich

Joining the ranks of fast food giants offering their own take on a breakfast classic, Wendy’s recently released the Egg BLT sandwich. Having only been serving a breakfast menu for a year, the new sandwich joins other Wendy’s breakfast options like the bacon, egg and cheese biscuit or the home-style French toast sticks. Wendy’s version of the egg BLT features applewood smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce and a slice of cheese, topped with creamy mayonnaise and served on a butter croissant. The Egg BLT costs $5.74 plus tax. It can also be added to a combo, served with a coffee and seasoned potatoes.

7. Make mom's day with brunch at Vela

Relaunched this month, brunch at Vela is the type of tasteful, extravagant, dreamy affair every mom dreams she'll encounter on Mother's Day. Book your table, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and treat the mother figure in your life to a menu of small and large plates, tantalizing cocktails, charming zero-proof sippers, live music and a take-home gift. On the à la carte menu, diners will find a French Omelette, Amore Burratta, and Avocado Tostada. Larger plates include Souffle Pancakes, Fried Chicken and a trio of Steak & Egg options sure to catch mom's eye. From caviar service to a Norwegian Salmon Tower, complete with whipped cream cheese, gnocco fritto, a flurry of toppings, and more, if wowing mom is on the agenda, Vela is happy to oblige. To reserve your table and make mom's day, visit Velatoronto.com.

8. Head to Eataly for all of your Mother's Day needs

For mothers with a sweet tooth, those who live for luxury, self care, cooking, wine — or all of the above — Eataly is a one-stop shop for Mother's Day gifts. Beyond delectable pastas, pizzas, and other authentic Italian offerings, the massive marketplace has plenty of treats sure to wow. Whether you choose to order, from Shoptoronto.eataly.ca, or pick up a few surprises in store, you'll find everything from imported hand creams and soaps, to big-ticket bonbons, fine wines, cheeses, olive oils, and housewares among the densely-packed shelves. Between May 11th and 14th, find limited-edition Crostata Cioccolato e Fragola, or chocolate tarts with pastry cream and strawberries, and Ruby Chocolate Cannoli Kits, featuring pink-tinged mini shells, to add to any Mother's Day feast.

9. Mademoiselle introduces happy hour menu

Beginning May 8th, your cinq à sept is set to be more delightful than ever. To celebrate its one-year anniversary, Mademoiselle Raw Bar & Grill has launched a new happy hour menu, available weekdays between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. A spot known for extravagance and drama (Fu*# You Roll, anyone?), Mademoiselle's happy hour menu includes an assortment of intriguing small plates and specials on select premium spirits and wines by the glass. Fill the void before dinnertime with a selection of bites, ranging from a Mini Lobster Roll and Sushi Trio to Snapper Ceviche. Then, stick around for a wider sampling of the dishes that have been wowing King West for the past year. To reserve your table, visit Mademoiselleto.com.

10. Pearle Hotel in Burlington opens a new cafe

The newest addition to the Pearle Hotel in Burlington is, quite literally, inspired by the sunshine.

Officially open at 3 Elizabeth Street, the “café’s menu will feature delicious coffee and an array of grab ‘n’ go items, including pastries and baked goods, sandwiches, paninis, salads, pizza by the slice, and wine by the glass. Inspired by the founder of Pearle Hospitality, Grandmother, Pearle, who was known for her exceptional hospitality, Pearle’s Café strives to take care of its guests like family,” according to the press release.

The focus, of course, is the sunrise, with sweeping views from the space and a colour scheme and palette that pulls from the vibe of the lakeshore, including shades of navy blue, light blue, coral pink, and sunshine yellow.

11. TABLE food hall opening this summer

TABLE Fare + Social is officially opening its doors to the public this summer. Described as a “one-of-a-kind dining and social experience,” the new space will be held on Bay Street, on the fourth floor of the CIBC Square complex.

“At TABLE, guests can enjoy a carefully curated array of culinary offerings that showcase Toronto's dynamic and evolving food scene, with flavourful Thai, savoury Japanese, and delectable local cuisine among the exceptional options available. The space features various kiosks serving unique dishes made with the best ingredients. In addition, the central bar offers hand-crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere for guests to mingle,” says the press release. And, the hall will also offer year-round programming like food tastings, cooking classes, live music, pop-up events, trivia nights, and more. It will be open six days a week and connected to Toronto’s first elevated park.

12. Dear Saigon opening May 6

The U of T neighbourhood is getting a new spot for handcrafted Vietnamese food. Dear Saigon opens at 185 College Street on May 6, offering some traditional, hearty Vietnamese dishes like pho, spring rolls, rice dishes pad thai and more. The menu is, according to the founders, a love letter to their native city, offering both street food and sophisticated dishes.

“The space we've created at Dear Saigon has truly been a labour of love, fuelled by our passion for delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine and love for our hometown of Saigon, we're so excited for people to experience it,” says Christine, Executive Chef of Dear Saigon. “No matter the occasion that brings you into our restaurant, you’re going to be served the most authentic flavours, hand-picked from the highest quality ingredients, and feel transported to the winding alleys of Saigon.”

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