LibbyAugust is absolutely sizzling in the city, and while sweltering temps have us constantly curious about our own water management, we’re busy buzzing around and finally getting caught up with friends and family. Restaurants are slowly recovering, reopening and welcoming us back to the fold. CafeTO is still going strong in the summer months, and September will see the start of Toronto’s DineTOgether– stay tuned on our favourite options for this dynamic dining program next month.
Rosewood Winery + Collective Arts have sold out their collaborative event, but we’re still going to stalk socials on this August 11th evening, which brings head winemaker Ryan Corrigan for a chat on art, food, the industry and yes- tacos!
Celebrate all day and night with the Kulture Carnival crew at Glad Day Bookstore on August 28th. Accessible and with both indoor and outdoor seating options, expect amazing food, performances and fun- get your tickets from Eventbrite.
1 Hotel Toronto has opened. The Starwood Property boasts 112 hotel rooms and 21 suites with soaring skylines of downtown Toronto. Located on Wellington West, we’re excited to scope out the 1 Kitchen concept as well as the Flora Lounge for nibbles and smart cocktails.
Chef Suzanne Barr is getting set to unveil her new space with a teaser image on her Instagram. She’s tight-lipped on the details but we can’t wait to see her next moves, learn more about this all-star Chef in our interview here.
RendezViews is a great new concept brought to you by our favourite Thai Chef Nuit Regular with mega-institution The Fifth. After some PAI partnerships last year it was a natural fit to see spicy and fragrant Thai eats paired with ice-cold beers in a destination worthy setting. Look for Chicken Satay Poutine, Thai-Mex Nachos and a Holy Basil Burger to crown the menu.
Skyflower is a new hotspot from MasterChef Alum winner and now Executive Chef Eric Chong. Nestled in on College Street, this sky-high supper club brings elevated eats to a thirsty crowd. We’re swooning.
Special occasions call for Canoe. The reopening was intended to make a splashy unveil back when completed in March 2020, but we all know the cliche about waiting for good things, yadda yadda. The look is classic Canoe with some modern flourishes that enhance the gorgeous lakeside views. While the Chef’s Table is still closed for COVID, we can’t wait to perch upon those pedestals soon.
Traditional methods, contemporary execution is the tagline being employed by the team at Yu Seafood. Yorkdale Mall welcomes this sophisticated seafood restaurant, with a refined menu that brings dim sum, sushi and plated posh dinners to Dufferin. Reserve ahead for these premium experiences.
There’s something to be said about summer + fried chicken, and while the Spicy Chicken Sandwich Odyssey continues, Superchicken shines amongst the competition. Just opened south of Sheppard on Yonge, look for fried chicken everything, with Pop Chicken as a standout must-try.
CHOTTO MATTE ‘s uber-popular Jungle Brunch is going strong. Enjoy stunning views of the downtown core while nibbles and posh punches add a dramatic flair against the backdrop of mesmerizing live performances. Clink!
Chef Christine Mast is definitely qualified but also ironically suited name-wise to this particular kitchen, located on a boat dubbed Empire Sandy at Spadina and Queens Quay. Formerly of Sophia Yorkville and Canoe, Chef Mast is bringing seafood and smart cocktails to anyone with a pulse and a good palate. Popping bottles of prosecco and shucking oysters sounds like the antidote to anything that ails you. Follow along for all the latest: The Brass Monkey.
Mataan Restaurant opened on July 1st, bringing Somali food in a family-run restaurant near Jane and Lawrence. Give them a follow on Instagram and show them some love!
While Ufficio announced their closing formally on Instagram we’re very excited to see the plant-based pretty plates continue to roll out of this Dundas West restaurant. Switching gears to Gia, a glossy and gorgeous vegan eatery that bridges Stefano’s Sandwiches plant-based eats takeout vibe to a more dedicated table-service feel. We can’t wait!
VELA, from Amanda Bradley (alo) and Robin Goodfellow (Bar Raval) is open at King and Portland. These industry heavyweights are bringing their expertise to this stunning project, which brings a 2,000 sq ft patio and lobby bar look to this thirsty pocket. Food is described as Seasonal New American, which translates to 24-ounce Dry Aged Ribeyes and Wedge Salads. Huzzah!
Oliver and Bonacini Restaurant Group quietly bought up the old SpeakEasy 21 last year and while the dust settled the plans are here and they’re hopping. The Rabbit Hole is our new watering hole on Adelaide, with a soaring covered patio nestled right into Scotiabank Plaza. Leña‘s Sous Chef extraordinaire Laura Petracca has been promoted to Chef de Cuisine for this authentic British-inspired eatery. Read the full story here.
The Wood Owl, from The Wren is opening soon. The much-celebrated pub is doubling down on what they do best, refined pub grub and killer cocktails in a relaxing living room aesthetic.
Restaurant 20 Victoria has opened. From the same team as Brothers in Yorkville, this new concept brings the dream team back together for another go, we expect this one to go the distance.
TASTE OF THE MONTH- And if you’re in the hunt for a sensational summer salad, we’re swooning for Nando’s spicy salad bowls, especially the Avocado and Roasted Red Pepper which brings Nando’s special recipe to a healthy bowl format, satisfying and very heart-healthy! Also available is their Peri-Peri Chicken Bowl topped with their famous firey chicken breast.
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com
All photos by Libby Roach. Lead photo from Eric Chong’s old R&D days.