LibbyMarch is back and who cares about the lambs or lions, I’m just excited to finally celebrate St Patty’s Day in Toronto again. After years of languishing, I’m primed for a spring frolic (or five) and luck would have it, Toronto’s a great city to gallivant in…here’s my top suggestions for food and fun this March.
Here’s what’s happening in Toronto this month.
motionball is back! The epic party that supports a very epic cause features top Toronto talent gathered for a night of dancing and revelry. Grab tickets for $135 for this March 3rd event at Liberty Grand at motionball.com/torontogala
It’s March break for families…break is such a loose word though. If you’re stuck in the city, we suggest booking a stay at the fantastic Hotel X Toronto. They’ve upped their game with the addition of the Retro Arcade, which includes video game classics like Street Fighter II, Ms Pac-Man, pinball and more. Bonus, games are set for free play, so you can leave the quarters at home. Book your stay asap for the Family Fun Package.
Looking for something a little more dangerous this March 17th? Then scope out the special presentation of the thrasher classic flick, Leprechaun by Drunken Cinema. Rekindle your Rachel fandom as you watch Jen Anniston tackle green goblins, while participating in trivia and entertainment throughout the evening. Roncy’s home to this one, at Revue Theatre.
Start the day off carb-loading at the pancake breakfast, or all-you-can-eat Lucky Charms bar, then stick around for the rest of the celebrations at Rebel Nightclub. On St Patrick’s Day they say everyone is Irish, but the day after a good amount of us might be too. The party starts on March 18th at 11:30 am (and wisely wraps up at 8:30 pm).
Who doesn’t love a little Après Ski, without skiing? This month at Distillery District firepits and marshmallow sticks will dot the historic space. Romantic interludes or friendly family time are both great reasons to get outdoors. Weather permitting, guests can enjoy the Distillery each weekend afternoon until March 19th.
Here’s what’s NEW in Toronto this month.
Lao Lao is finally open at Yonge and Wellesley. The Thai hotspot has been teasing us for months, now the paper is off the windows, unveiling gorgeous beaded lighting in an eclectic and energetic space.
Chef Eyal Shani, known for making the whole roasted cauliflower head a thing, is bringing eclectic Mediterranean food to Yorkville. Miznon is located on Bay Street.
Pizzeria Libretto is looking for staff for its north end commissary kitchen, spotted on Alden Road.
Bar Habana has moved. The east-end brunch spot is joining forces with its Ossington sister, La Cubana. Look for the soft-opening later this month.
Parquet is now open on Harbord Street. A restaurant opened by two lawyers doesn’t bring a ton of confidence but they’ve wisely paired with Chef Jeremy Dennis (Chantecler, Woodlot).
Piano Piano on Colborne is now open. The jovial space is colourful and fun, which fits the theme of this unstuffy restaurant. Be sure to snap a selfie downstairs at the colourful carousel themed bar.
Mumbaikar is now open at Yonge and Lawrence. This is the second location for the Indian restaurant known for its Mumbai flair and eclectic and colourful cocktails.
Tavern Tamblyn is serving bistro style French fare on the Danforth, just west of Coxwell. A short, seasonal menu is complemented by great wine and tasty cocktails. Reserve a seat at the kitchen bar and watch the chefs work their magic, creating beautiful bowls of boullibaise, mussels, gougères topped with melted, Gruyère and a jaw dropping boeuf bourguignon. A massive side patio is just waiting for summer too.
CAN’T WAIT- COMING SOON TO TORONTO!
A slam dunk for basketball fans, the soon to open NBA Restaurant will be helmed by Top Chef Canada Season 9 winner Erica Karbelnik. Erica has been drafted to oversee the menu development for the sports-themed concept. Sounds like a win to us.
A hot spot in Thornhill, Ramona’s is coming to Leaside. The brunch spot is a family favourite, known for towering pancakes and eggs of all kinds. We look forward to tucking in at the 416 location! Also look for another location opening soon near Hillcrest Mall.
Aloette is a go! Permit signs indicate it will be dubbed Aloette Go, opening soon at Yonge and Eglinton. Check back this spring for more on this exciting project.
A massive Earls is going in at Yorkdale. The casual eatery is being built out overlooking the 401 and parking lots. Look for this project to go well into ’23 as they break ground on a new era of mall dining.
The paper is still up but the project is going extra innings for the much anticipated Cactus Club Cafe at Sheppard and Yonge. Is it a mirage? We hope not.
MORE SPRING OPENINGS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT…
Next up, also in the same mall, Paris Bakery Baguette is inching closer to opening. This international bakery boasts pretty cakes, and deluxe coffee and savoury items too.
Ruby Soho is getting a little sister. Liberty Soho is inching closer to the big unveil in Liberty Village. Known for chuggable cocktails and bar bites, this casual resto-bar has been a bright spot on King Street West since it opened in 2020.
Redpath Coffee and Redpath Restaurant are both coming to, wait for it, Redpath Avenue! The prime coffee location at this midtown hub means there’s so much potential for these projects. Stay tuned as we await this buzzy opening.
Maker Pizza on Bayview is opening, south of Eglinton. Housed in a new condo-build, look for this pizza joint to open in the coming months.
MARCH CLOSING TIME
A suspicious fire at King and Spadina has closed Myth Restaurant and Cibo for the next several months.
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com
The lead photo is of the Kale Salad from Pizzeria Libretto.