Just a week into the New Year and we’re already behind on trying out new restaurants. Tisk a la tisk at us. But, the life of incessant eaters is always peppered with places to try, meals to enjoy, and drinks to drink, and here are five new spots that are on our must-hit-list…
DYNE on Avenue
While the $325 Chef’s Last Feast seems a bit… I don’t know… unnecessary, the rest of the menu at the restaurant that overtook the space left in Malena’s wake sounds oh-so-tempting. Lobster with brioche, miso and iceberg lettuce sounds like an Asian-inspired roll worth scarfing. Angus brisket with some anise, bourbon, lemongrass and guava evokes thoughts of layered flavour. And Torrija – think of it as French toast, only Spanish – done with caramelized brioche and sweet milk sounds sumptuous and sinful. Ah… Meal #1 on the countdown…
Buonanotte
This Toronto outpost of Montreal scenester favourite Buonanotte has been in a semi-soft launch for the past couple weeks, and is now open for reservations. In the space that once housed the gorgeous Ame, Buonanotte Toronto is bringing more gourmet Italian to our fair streets. Expect a supper club-like atmosphere replete with la creme de la creme of the Toronto social scene to fuse brilliantly with top-tier executions of contemporary Italian cuisine.
Hawthorne Food and Drink
So we’ve been waiting to check out Hawthorne during dinner hours, and supposedly they’re launching their dinner menu tomorrow night. This being the case, you can expect me there at some point this weekend. (It is just around the corner from my humble abode, after all.) The space looks relaxing, and the Instagram pics thus far suggest Chef Eric Wood’s kitchen is running smoothly, with presentation (like the Foursquare meal) and localized ingredients being key factors to success.
Smoke BBQ House
I have quite the appreciation for graphic design, and Smoke BBQ House’s logo is quite perfect for their concept. Yeah, that’s a total digression from the point of this post… deal with it. In any case, this new Harbord restaurant’s menu sounds heartily delicious. I’m aching for the Louisiana Gumbo, the St. Louis Sparerib, and Maple Cinnamon Bourbon Gelato. Mmm…
Zakkushi Charcoal Grill
With the explosion of new Asian restaurants as of late, there are actually quite a few we’re looking to check out. Zakkushi takes my top spot simply because of proximity to my day-to-day activities. That, plus it mixes izakaya, yakitori bar, and sushi spot together, giving most anyone a palate pleaser. It’s another Vancouver transplant with three successful locations on the West Coast, so here’s hoping their recipe for food is as honed as their recipe for success…
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