LibbyWith a chill in the air and a scarf around our necks (faces?) we’re welcoming another new month, November is here whether you like it or not! The calm before the holiday storm, November is a great time to regroup, remember and reengage.
Here’s what’s happening around Toronto this month.
The Distillery Winter Village is bringing festive magic back to the Distillery District. The unofficial kick-off to all things Christmas is back and brighter than ever. Mark you calendars for November 18th and be sure to follow them on socials to stay on top of covid-related protocols.
NOW OPEN
Chef Nuit Regular had a successful popup with her friends at The Fifth/Rendezviews on Richmond Street, so it only makes sense to double-down with Selva, the newest offering under Chef’s careful guard. Selva will feature a very vegetarian and keto friendly menu, of course with the creative flourishes and seasonings we’ve long celebrated Nuit for.
Farzi Cafe Square One has opened. A modern approach to refined Indian food, Farzi is bringing back a dash of the unexpected, including nods to molecular gastronomy and more smoke and mirrors fun at this mega-Mississauga restaurant.
Sunny’s Chinese has just launched MIMI Chinese. a refined and fancy sister restaurant in Yorkville. A super gorgeous dining space is only the start, book ahead for the best tables and a menu curated by Chef David Schwartz and Sous Braden Chong.
We adore Amano in Union Station and Newmarket, so when we heard of the latest iteration, Amano Trattoria in Old Town we counted down the days until their October 19th opening. Chef Michael Angeloni is bringing life into this Church Street building, which was recently El Loco, a Mexican restaurant and event space.
Track and Field is back and better than ever. After closing due to condos, the new space is a breath of fresh air on College Street, and a sure bet for gatherings and post-covid reunions. Book out The Palms for a private space, or sashay in for first dibs on shuffleboard and more analog fun. (Lead photo of their super cool sibling Bangarang).
Praise Bottle Shop enlisted the help of the postage-stamp-size kitchen crusader Chef Doug Penfold to create a culinary menu that is thoughtful, tasty and easy to manage at this darling Bloor + Shaw bottle shop and wine bar. If I could copycat this place and reopen a stumble home from my house, I would. It’s cozy and warm, inviting and exciting. Have a glass, grab a bottle for home or meet friends downstairs in the scotch den. Yes! Stay tuned for more on this Gargoyle Wine Club bricks and mortar.
CLIO on King West is a new private members-only club offering drinks and definite swag with a selective membership process backed by club king Charles Khabouth. The space features multiple lounges, a restaurant, a cinema and yes, people watching. Membership is vetted by a recent headshot and two members vouching for you, looks like we made it, folks.
Yonge Street just welcomed Halibut n’ Tea to the Lawrence Park corridor. Bubble Teas are the big deal here, but why not pair that up with some fish and chips or some deep-fried chicken?
With the dust settling on the historic Park Hyatt it’s a fine time to celebrate with a glamourous reopening. Joni is the jewel of this rebuild, a bistro built for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Read Libby’s full profile of this new restaurant here.
Craigs Cookies is coming to Yorkdale. The probable reason why my blood sugar is always slightly elevated has moved into the new-wing of the mega-mall, near Lululemon and Sporting Life, which I am sure is a pure coincidence.
COMING SOON
Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! is calling themselves a Southwest Cantina, flowing with tequila, tacos and “groovy” vibes, we’ll reserve judgement until we can hop in there ourselves. If you see a dazed and confused bunny, you’ve arrived at the right place. Let us know how it went!
We’ll all be flocking to the corner of Yonge and Sheppard (there’s a first time for everything) but it’ll be at least mid-2022 before we’re clinking Bellinis at the newest location of buzzy chain Cactus Club Cafe.
Nu Bügel at Midtown is getting ready to roll! Best known for their original location in Kensington Market, Yonge Street will see the second location open this fall.
TASTE OF THE MONTH
We haven’t met a spicy chicken sandwich we don’t like- but some are cut from a different cutlet- find out who’s the top Colonel (it’s not the colonel) in Libby’s latest Spicy Chicken Sandwich Odyssey!
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com
All photos by Libby Roach.