The top 10 new restaurant openings in Toronto for January

New restaurants in Toronto have brought us all kinds of exciting new experiences. Try Japanese and Burmese cuisine like you've never had before, or grab some wine or tequila at one of the city's newest snack bars.

Here are the my picks for the top new restaurants that opened in Toronto last month.

Aburi Hana

This new Japanese restaurant might be Yorkville's fanciest yet, featuring Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine, ceremonial anticipatory service, private dining rooms and traditional floral arrangements.

Anejo

This Calgary Mexican restaurant opened its first Toronto location where they've replaced beer with tequila in the old Bier Markt space on King West.

Tam

The Junction just became home to this casual Vietnamese food restaurant serving banh mi, pho and rice paper rolls.

Popa

Burmese cuisine can now be found in Toronto at this restaurant in Bayview Village mall where curries, noodles, falafel and tempura come together on one menu.

Osteria Rialto

The revamped Paradise theatre in Bloorcourt now houses this restaurant by Basilio Pesce serving upscale Italian.

Conzo's

The people behind Sugo opened this pizzeria just a few doors down from their restaurant at Bloor and Lansdowne.

Lighthouse 971

Comfort yourself at this newly opened Upper Beaches restaurant doing happy hour, brunch and bistro fare.

Nice Nice x Extra Burger

Wine and smash burgers come together at this space that isn’t like any other in Parkdale.

Le Phenix

The team behind French restaurant Chantecler have literally risen from the ashes to create this temporary restaurant across the street in Parkdale.

Imanishi Basement Bar

Drink sake and munch Japanese snacks in these new clubhouse-like confines in Cabbagetown by the team behind a restaurant of the same name.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

15 new bars in Toronto to help get you through winter

New bars in Toronto are exactly what you need to get through winter. Cure even the worst case of cabin fever by breaking from routine and heading to one of these spots for a change of scenery instead of hitting up the same old pub on the corner. And hey, a liquid blanket always helps walking home in the cold.

Here are some new bars in Toronto to help you get through winter. 

Bar Biltmore

The Paradise theatre in Bloorcourt is not what it once was, and its recent sophisticated reinvention includes this splashy new cocktail bar serving spritzes, negronis and sours.

Gatsby's Speakeasy

Toronto's "first dueling piano bar" has opened near King and Bathurst, and it sounds like there's no way a night here could be ho-hum.

Happy Coffee and Wine

Coffee to keep you awake and wine to keep you, well, happy are the secret formula to beating the winter blahs at this Parkdale hangout. 

Imanishi Basement Bar

Comfort yourself with same and Japanese food at this space on Carlton from the people behind Imanishi.

Standard Bar in Parkdale is hidden behind a pizza joint. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Sous Sol

Sip cocktails in sultry confines at this St. James Town bar with lush decor that's located in a basement so you can forget it's a mix of drizzle and hail outside. 

Standard Bar

Speakeasy vibes distract from the cold at this Parkdale bar inventively hidden in a pizza place. 

Bar Poet

Miss hitting the patio? Head to Queen and Dovercourt to drink wine and eat pizza under fake trees, twinkly lights and an awning to feel like you're outside. 

Bar Volo

Sometimes lots of pasta and beer are the only things that can get you through the coldest month, so head to the reopened version of this bar near Yonge and Wellesley for both.

Hotel Delilah in Leslieville comes with tropical vibes. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Hotel Delilah

Tell everyone you went on a tropical staycation at this Leslieville "hotel" that doubles as an Airbnb, where vegetarian snacks are served alongside drinks. 

The Alpine

Hearty portions of European food will warm you up at this cozy beer bar in the Junction. 

The Little Jerry

Music is a definite mood booster, so if you find yourself feeling down this season head to this wine bar in Little Italy where a vinyl soundtrack goes way beyond blaring Top 40.

Miss Pippa's

Surround yourself with plants at this Dundas West bar and flower shop where you can cuddle up on a couch with a glass of wine. 

You might get treated to live music at Houndstooth bar in Little Italy. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Houndstooth

Change out of those pyjamas for an evening and take in some live music at this cutting edge Little Italy venue. 

Mom's Basement

Movie nights are the perfect way to spend long hours of darkness, but it can get boring staying in, so catch a retro flick at this Danforth bar serving craft beer and popcorn. 

Bar Piquette

Ever-changing wines and small plates ensure this new Grant van Gameren project on West Queen West is always exciting. 

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

This new Toronto art gallery lets you sleep inside overnight

Two years after closing for renovations, a Toronto gallery has reopened with an exciting new concept: sleepovers with art. 

Darren Gallery, the space formerly called the Gallery on Wade, has just launched a new program called Sleep With Art. 

For $200, you can stay overnight in this recently renovated gallery, located just a few steps from Landsdowne subway station. 

Totally subverting the idea that enjoying art has to be done standing (with good posture) and a wine glass in hand, you can marinade on some art while lying supine in your PJs, and in the comfort of two single Murphy beds, which fold out from the gallery walls. 

Darren Gallery lets up to two visitors sleep overnight. Photo via Airbnb.

"If one walks by a commercial art gallery, chances are it's always stark and devoid of people, except the director sitting by their desk on the computer," says Darren Gallery founder Apollonia Vanova.

"If one musters up the courage to actually walk in, the feeling is usually cold with the salesperson most likely ignoring you or seeming annoyed at having you walk in." 

Vanova says allowing people to spend the night allows people to take their time with art, breaking down barriers of what might usually seem like a lofty, upscale experience. 

"This is to encourage a more relaxed atmosphere where one can, on their own time, connect and gain a better understanding of the work by spending sufficient time with it," says Darren Gallery's founder Apollonia Vanova.

One upcoming exhibit, The Hunting Project by Kurt Stallaert (part of CONTACT's photography festival), involves what appears to be a photograph, but is actually a slow-motion video that lasts 24 hours. 

"With works like that, you can’t really get into a gallery and experience the work if you don’t have time to spend with it." 

The gallery comes equipped with a kitchenette and shower. Photo via Airbnb.

Equipped with a shower, towels, kitchenettte, and couch, the gallery will be open to a maximum of two overnight visitors from 5 p.m. to 11 a.m. via a lock box, or virtual keys. 

The space will feature write-ups on the pieces, some books, and any other inspirational materials that will give insight into the artist's creative process. 

The only rule is that you don't touch the art, or leave any drinks and food near the work. 

Installation artists will receive part of the overnight fee, which is good news for creators who work in a medium that sells much less frequently than paintings and sculptures. 

Upcoming exhibits include Cozy Venom from Lumir Hladik, which runs from February 5 to May 3. The Hunting Project runs from May 13 to August 13. 

by Tanya Mok via blogTO

One of Toronto's favourite Mexican restaurants just opened a location at the airport

Torteria San Cosme has just landed in Pearson Airport, meaning Mexican tortas are officially a pre-flight option.

The Kensington Market corner spot selling tender cubanas and milenasas officially has a stall in the airport's Terminal 1.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tortería San Cosme (@sancosme_) on Jan 28, 2020 at 3:10am PST

It might not be as colourful and fun as its first location at Baldwin and Kensington, which opened more than five years ago, but we can assume their telera bread will be just as fresh as the original. 

Their airport menu looks like it includes a Torta De La Granja, which is basically a Mexican breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon. Nothing sounds better right now than a flight out of Toronto (to somewhere warm obviously) with one of those in hand. 

by Tanya Mok via blogTO

The top 5 warehouse sales in Toronto this February

The top warehouse sales in Toronto for February 2020 mean big savings on OVO gear, luxury faux fur and home furnishings. Kitchen Stuff Plus is slashing prices on brand-name gadgets of all kinds and there's a big sale on comfy coats just in time for winter.

Events you might want to check out:

OVO Toronto Warehouse Sale (February 5-9 @ The International Centre)
Huge savings on branded OVO gear is on with a big selection of apparel, footwear and accessories for up to 80 per cent off.
South Hill Home Warehouse Sale (February 6-8 @ South Hill Home)
You can spruce up your place on the cheap at this warehouse sale with 50 per cent off on furniture, lighting, accessories and rugs.
Kitchen Stuff Plus (February 14-17 @ Kitchen Stuff Plus Warehouse)
Huge savings are on at this sale with brand name kitchenware from Cuisinart, Kitchen Aid, Umbra, Oster and Thermos for up to 90 per cent off.
Winter Parka Sale (February 15-18 @ Le Parc)
Over 10,000 winter parkas are for sale for up to 70 per cent off from Mackage, Rudsak, Parajumpers, Vegan Jackets, Nobis, Fred Perry and more.
Furious Fur Sample Sale (February 19-23 @ Furious Fur)
Coats, jackets, vests and accessories are on sale for up to 80 per cent off with a special selection of luxury faux fur items.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

5 things to do in Toronto today

It's a sweet Saturday in Toronto with things to do today give you the chance to indulge at the Winter Chocolate Show. Elsewhere, Black History Month celebrations are getting underway and there's sexy arts and crafts, craft beer and lots of tea to be had.

Events you might want to check out:

Winter Chocolate Show (February 1 @ Enoch Turner Schoolhouse)
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and this show lets you pick up a treat for you or someone in your life with bean-to-bar chocolate for sale.
Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Fest (February 1 @ Roundhouse Park)
Drink and play at this annual winter beer festival with 40 craft brewers on tap alongside games, food, music dancing, campfires and lots more.
Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair (February 1 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Things are getting hot at this arts and crafts market that features one-of-a-kind erotic finds in celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture.
Toronto Tea Festival (February 1-2 @ Toronto Reference Library)
It's warm, snuggly tea season and this festival includes two days of tea-focused programming like talks, workshops, shopping and sampling.
KUUMBA (February 1-29 @ Harboufront Centre)
A photo exhibition curated by Colin Kaepernick, ice skating party, workshops, talks, performances and more are all part of this Black History Month festival.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

People in Toronto say they prefer streetcars over buses

The 505 Dundas streetcar has been replaced with buses since the end of September while Pantograph upgrades are made between Parliament and McCaul, and it's making TTC riders realize how much they prefer streetcars to buses. 

One Toronto resident tweeted this sentiment yesterday evening, and it's led to a whole lot of online discussion comparing the two forms of public transit. 

"Anybody who advocates for buses over streetcars should be damned to ride the Dundas bus replacement for a week," Twitter user Shawn Micallef wrote online. "Or eternity, for such bad opinion."

Anybody who advocates for buses over streetcars should be damned to ride the Dundas bus replacement for a week. Or eternity, for such bad opinion. pic.twitter.com/V3xNZVIxU4

— Shawn Micallef (@shawnmicallef) January 30, 2020

The tweet has garnered 41 retweets and 464 likes in the past 24 hours, and many Toronto transit users say they wholeheartedly agree with Micallef. 

"The lurching, in and out of traffic. The dizzying pull into a stop. The sudden gasp that comes with quick brakes," one user wrote. "Aw gawd, my blood pressure rises just thinking about it."

Buses along Dundas are pure hell. Will streetcars ever come back ?

— Les Williams (@leswilliams2) January 31, 2020

Toronto resident Asif Hossain quote tweeted the original post and added his own take, stating that the replacement buses on Queen a few years back taught everyone involved to appreciate streetcars. 

Those who thought buses would be better on Queen learned their lesson a couple of summers ago during several months of construction. #TTC buses are brutal, from the designed bottleneck at the front to its narrowness throughout, just the worst in high density areas.#topoli https://t.co/uE4Uf8tK4F

— Asif Hossain (@asifintoronto) January 30, 2020

And one Twitter user even responded that anyone who prefers buses probably isn't actually a frequent transit user. 

That sounds about right.

— Asif Hossain (@asifintoronto) January 31, 2020

For those who are specifically frustrated with the Dundas replacement buses, you'll be glad to know that streetcar service will resume on the route come March 29. 

by Mira Miller via blogTO