LibbyMay in Toronto signals the official slide into spring. Thirty-one days and one long weekend to frequent patios, explore the great outdoors and celebrate the seasonal temps. Sign us up!
Baseball is back, but it’s all about the Leafs this month. The mayhem of finally closing out a round versus Tampa saw the city explode this past weekend with blue and white. If the boys can keep their sticks on the ice and keep battling, the town is sure to support more crowd-surfing and street closures.
🥑 Hot events happening in Toronto this month 🥑
The Spanish tapas journey of your dreams is back. Presented by Estrella Damm Beer, the brewery has partnered with 25 local restaurants to showcase the perfect pairing for its tasty beer. Book in now for the Estrella Damm Culinary Journey, from now until May 31st.
Cinco De Mayo is this Friday and we’re whipping up margaritas and tacos, on repeat. We suggest tucking into the vast tequila offerings over at plant-based Rosalinda, on Richmond (lead photo). Tasty and pretty plates are the focus at this lush restaurant, stay tuned for a full profile on this one.
If you’re looking for a slightly more ‘turned up’ affair, then scope out our friends at Baro. With four epic floors to explore and a culinary program backed by the excellent Chef Brent Maxwell, it’s easy to see how the spot snagged a shoutout in Canada’s Top 100. Come for the Patron Tequila Party and definitely stay for the mariachi band. Read more on Baro Restaurant here.
Mother’s Day isn’t for everyone. But if you want to honour the occasion, we suggest tucking into The Four Seasons for the modern and flavourful Brunch Buffet. Grab a bouquet to go with beautiful blooms by Teatro Verde, available to purchase, right onsite. Make your reservations ahead to avoid letting mom down. FourSeasons.com/Toronto
The Rose Picnic has just been announced. Do you love pink enough to have that as your only drink? Then this event has your name on it. Taking place at Hotel X Toronto, this pretty picnic is partnering with the Women’s College Hospital Foundation to donate $25K to this important cause, so consider toasting one or two in their honour. Yes, there will be flower crowns. Tickets start at $49.95 and are available now at rosepicnic.com
We had a blast at last year’s Taco Fest and this year, at a new venue, promises to be muy caliente. Join the guac train at Hotel X Toronto from June 16-18th to enjoy the city’s finest tacos and more. Featuring tacos from Rosalinda, Pastor Taco, Roses Cocina and more. Tickets start at $16.50.
Tickets are now for sale for the upcoming Wine Fest Toronto, returning to RendezViews on Richmond Street. The three-day wine extravaganza is a splashy ‘all you can sample’ event crafted by everyone’s favourite wine lover, Angela Aiello, founder of the fun iYellow Wine Cave. Tickets for the July 7-9th event are on sale now for individual three-hour windows.
🥂 Here’s what’s NEW in Toronto this month. 🥂
Earls is now open at Yorkdale. The Yorkdale location opened on April 21st and includes Yorkdale-only items like a Seafood Tower and Passion Fruit Chili Margarita.
Paris Bakery Baguette has opened. This international bakery boasts pretty cakes, deluxe coffee and savoury items too at the Yonge and Sheppard Centre.
CKTL CO is a new stock exchange-themed bar on Bay Street. Ubiquitous red and green-themed bid boards let you know what to order next, drink prices fluctuate based on demand. Heavy on the style, this bro-den is a boon for suits to explore.
Irene is now open at Corus Quay. Run by Fab Restaurant Concepts, the brand’s empire includes Pourhouse, Murphy’s Law and Brazen Head. Pub people doing pub things, but this time, down by the lake.
🥬 CAN’T WAIT- COMING SOON TO TORONTO! 🥬
New locations of Fresh Kitchen + Juice are coming! Read our full juicy interview with Ruth Tal, founder of the brand here. Stay tuned for details on new west-end locations for everyone’s favourite plant-based eatery.
Joystar Cafe is opening soon on Yonge Street. The cafe is located on the east side, across from our friends at Grounded Coffee Bar.
Pompette owners have now added a bakery to their roster. Bakery Pompette is now open on College Street. Croissants and beautiful pastries are all housed in a gorgeous space. Yes, please!
Sing Sing Beer Bar is coming to First Canadian Place. It’s a celebrated spot on the West Coast with craft beers and great bar bites, a perfect fit on Adelaide where the old Duke of Westminster occupied. Backed by the hospitality powerhouses behind Belfast Love, Walrus and Death & Taxes, this will be a hotspot when it opens this July.
🍌 MORE SPRING OPENINGS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT…🍌
There are steakhouses, and then there are Kobe-Beef Certified Restaurants. A new breed of beef-minded menus is coming to the core. Meet Black + Blue, a destination for a refined steakhouse experience. Fronted by Glowbal Restaurant Group, they’ve been grilling on the west coast in Vancouver for a minute. Book reservations starting May 1st at this new King West hotspot.
Kiin Cafe is a new concept at Kiin. In Thai culture, breakfast is everything. So it was only a matter of time before Chef Nuit Regular adopted this meal into her already impressive repertoire. From 8 am-10 am daily, Kiin Cafe will be offering tasty Thai eats like Khai Kratha (eggs with Chinese sausage) or Patong Gho (Crullers with coconut pandan custard). Pair it with Owliang, Thai coffee, made with condensed milk.
Char Bistro is opening on Wellington Street, in Old Town, where Bravi once stood. Look for this opening later this summer.
🍴 MAY CLOSING TIME 🍴
Dufflet Pastries is closed. The longtime signature shop on Queen opened in 1982 and is now sold in Canada’s largest supermarkets, earning a spot at the table for all our celebrations.
Lai Wah Heen has closed. The city’s signature dim sum restaurant closed in March after decades on Chestnut Street.
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com
All images by Libby Roach.