LibbyMarch is here, and if you’re in Toronto, Ontario that means your vax-passport days are behind you. Whether you like it or not. There is a growing number of restaurateurs that have chosen to continue to request proof of vaccination. We salute you! Stay safe, and stay home if you’re sick! Let’s get this whole covid thing in the rearview! But if you’re ready to frolic in the early spring fun, here’s a few suggestions.
Here’s what’s HOT in Toronto this month.
Tuesdays in Toronto offer a stunning new temptation. Afrim Pristine, Chief Cheese Head at The Cheese Boutique has collaborated with Cafe Boulud to bring Fondue to his luxe hotel restaurant at Yorkville’s Four Seasons. Get tickets now- call 416-964-0411 to book your Apres experience.
Another noteworthy sumptuous experience belongs to Park Hyatt’s Joni. Book on the weekends for a delectable tea time, replete with savoury and sweet finds, all lovingly made in-house. It is divine!
Grab tickets to this important fundraiser for Ukraine. On March 11th The Opera House will welcome Ukrainian and Eastern European groups such as Polky, BLISK, and Korinya and those with strong ties to Ukraine (Moskitto Bar, Dumai Dunai, Lemon Bucket Orchestra Brass), as well as other Toronto-based artists coming together to support the cause. Get your tickets through Eventbrite.
The Niagara Escarpment is a hell of a runway for Queens of Queenston Mile Vineyard – with Katinka Kuture and Carlotta Carlisle. Wine journalist Natalie MacLean leads this tasteful tasting, with packages starting at $99, and include tickets and 2 or 6 bottles of the wines being tasted. Wines will then be shipped to your home with an event link to join in on the March 12th fun.
St Patty’s Day, or SPD as the cool kids call it nowadays, is back and not taking any prisoners (cue paddy wagon reference). To mark the occasion, Rebel Nightclub is bringing the much-needed noise back to downtown Toronto, with an all-day Guinness-soaked dance party that kicks off at 11:30 am with a Lucky Charms cereal bar and Dave Murphy Band to close it all out. Get tickets to this March 19th event- spdcanada.ca
EAT IT UP-NOW OPEN!
GoodGood is now open! This clever concept is giving a new meaning to snacktime. Powered by snazzy algorithms and of-the-minute delivery, GoodGood is buzzing with more than just coffee. Read the full scoop here and stay tuned as more locations roll out.
King Street West’s latest club has a new buckin’ bronco, dubbed The Hartly. Reviews are a mixed bag but it’s a strange time to try to resurrect that clubby vibe. We’ll reserve our judgement for our own girls night out.
While a mass-exodus of Starbucks was a sign of the pandemic, we’re clearly never giving up the grinds! Sonya spotted a darling new mom-and-daughter concept called Grounded Coffeebar (clearly mom was in charge of the moniker). With fresh pastries and tasty coffees, and a patio coming this summer, this coffee shop is on our radar!
Belly Buster, the OG big daddy of Toronto subs closed for a brief renovation but is back and brighter than ever. Thankfully, the orange exterior sign remains the exact same. In the same spot on Yonge, just south of York Mills.
CAN’T WAIT- COMING SOON TO TORONTO!
Sea-Hi will be re-opening the doors at our new location at the corner of Bathurst and Steeles in Vaughan this spring.
Aloette is the greatest south-north transplant since, ever? We’ll find out when this beauty unwraps later this year. Look for this window to light up (hopefully) soon.
MARCH CLOSING TIME
Mad Radish has closed their Yonge Street by Eglinton restaurant. Two other Toronto locations remain, on Bloor Street and in the Financial District, and other locations in Ontario.
Nanashake, the vegan ice pop emporium in North York has closed. But don’t despair, retailers have lined up and now Nanashake’s goodies are available right across Canada. Congrats! 🍌
TASTE OF THE MONTH
Staying home this March Break? Don’t despair, island eats and treats are close by. Rotis, tropical fresh squeezed juices and other delicacies are on the menu at Judy’s Island Grill.
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com
All photos by Libby Roach except lead feature photo courtesy Guinness SPD.