LibbyToronto’s forecast for July is wet. Between wine soirees and all-day beer festivals, the city is under a siege of summer fun frolics. While COVID clouds may still loom, enjoy the warm weather and get outside to see all the new life that the city has to offer.
Here’s what’s happening in Toronto this month.
Wine Fest is selling tickets fast for its upcoming event July 8-9th at the RendeZviews Patio (5th Supperclub). This event promises wines from around the world in an elegant and lush outdoor setting. Get your tickets now– this one will sell out!
Toronto’s Festival of Beer is back. While we have a full interview with TFOB, we do want to mention the weekend is coming, July 22nd-24th at the CNE grounds/bandshell. With Nas headlining Friday and Sam Roberts Band making a splash, you don’t want to miss this epic summer gallivant.
Woodbine Park is home to this year’s Rosé Picnic. Held August 20th, this rosé soaked event features food from Mark McEwan and The Food Dudes. With room for 20,000 people you and more than few gal pals can immerse yourselves in the pink drink for an afternoon like no other. There’s only one summer after all. Get tickets before they’re gone: rosepicnic.com.
Bisha Hotel rooftop work from the situation is lit. The gorgeous downtown hotel unveiled their rooftop pool, lounge and available workspace for a party early this summer. With skyline views of downtown and the CN Tower you will have at least something to distract you from all the eye-candy. A full food menu from Kōst services the space and smart alcoves accommodate private conversations. Très chic. Your zoom room rating will be 🚀.
Here’s what’s HOT in Toronto this month.
Tennesse’s takeover is complete. Parkdale hearts are crooning to the new Tenny’s set up in the old space. The lush patio, warm wood floors and vibrant space give the room an eclectic feel. Tenny’s is built for live bands, but we’ll still drop in for a giant pretzel or oversized cocktail.
Valerie has just opened and is already breaking hearts. Housed on the top floors of Hotel X Toronto, look for posh and pretty plates by Executive Chef Adrian Niman with a hefty drink menu to compete with the gorgeous lake views. Live music and DJs add energy and style to this hotel-housed project.
Oretta is expanding and has opened a new spot at Yonge and Eglinton. Oretta Midtown was already hopping on the media tasting night and small wonder. The menu is long and packed with interest, the vibe is energetic and the cocktails are innovative. From cocktails to dessert, there are special touches of innovation alongside traditional Italian fare and flare. There are gluten-free options available, too!
d|azur has reopened at the Four Seasons with a new art install courtesy of Hamilton-based Florence Solis-Byun. Expect posh surroundings supported by pretty plates and prettier people. It’s Yorkville after all.
Vegan friends! A new coffee shop is opening on June 3rd. Aunty Em’s Deli & Coffee aims to impress St Clair cuties with their steady rotation of espresso-based drinks and sweet treats.
Boustan is now open at Leslie and York Mills. It’s a bold move to claim you’re the BEST Lebanese food in town when you just flung your doors open but we love shawarma so we won’t it against you. Look for falafel, pitas and saj platters to round out their menu.
CAN’T WAIT- COMING SOON TO TORONTO!
Paris Baguette Bakery and Cafe is coming. The US import recently unveiled signage on a Yonge and Sheppard space, where Flock Chicken once held court. With a location already open on Bloor, look for more expansion of both this modern cafe and our waistlines- have you seen their cakes?
The Daughter’s delivery date is delayed. The takeaway snack + wine tuck shop on Bayview has nudged its opening to early September. Featuring small sharing plates and natural wines, The Daughter is uptown’s answer to breezy bodegas. We can hardly wait.
NODO Liberty is getting ready to give Liberty Village a new Italian eatery. With locations in the Junction, St. Clair West, and Leslieville humming steadily, LV peeps will adore this classic comfort food, grabbing cannolis and fresh focaccia right at their doorstep.
Pizzeria Libretto is opening on Yonge, just north of Sheppard. This pizza outfit has been cranking out the pies in collabs with local restaurants and grab-and-gos during the pandemic, but it’s great to see a proper brick-and-mortar location for this tasty brand.
Toula, at the Westin Harbour Castle, has been closed since 2020, but recent news confirms Don Alfonso 1890 is opting-in on the space. Come for the beautiful views, stay for the legendary gastronomy experience. A match made in heaven! Look for a full opening later this month.
Taking up the chunky block that was Drake Commissary, Spaccio expects to be open by late June. Converting the 120-seat restaurant and 40-seat patio to their tastes, including a gourmet grocery, expect an Italian influence and imported wines, Spaccio is part of the Terroni family.
Sweetie Pie expands with its latest opening at the old Pizzaville shop on Yonge north of Lawrence. Look for sweet and savoury pies (vegan too!) at this 7th location for the bakery.
Aloette at Yonge and Eglinton won’t be open for a while yet, but we’re crushing hard and stalking socials. And doing drive-bys. It’s more wholesome than it sounds, we assure you.
W Hotel is nearing completion in Yorkville. Stay tuned as we stalk their food and beverage plans. If it’s like any other W property, Toronto is in great hands. Forecast this hot spot for your spring rotation.
JULY CLOSING TIME
Papabubble shuttered their doors on Yonge street. The Spanish candy factory was in operation since 2015 on uptown Yonge Street. Le sigh.
TASTE OF THE MONTH
We’re steak obsessed and can’t wait to return to J’s Steak Frites on Queen West. With AYCE fries, sizzling striploin steaks and classic cocktails, we call this a trifecta of meaty fun.
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com