As the pandemic moves, ever so slowly, onwards there are many who are choosing to keep the faith alive and are continuing with their new business ventures and openings. With great support from our community, we can hope that these new businesses succeed in what many have not this past year, survival. All good things come to an end and unfortunately, this rings true for many beloved restaurants, bars, cafes and shops around Toronto. Gone but never forgotten are the businesses that were taken down by this unrelenting pandemic.
Openings:
Altea Active
Located in a new rental residential community in Liberty Village, this two-story, 89,000 square-foot unique health and wellness club seems to be just what the doctor ordered. While encouraging social connections, Altea Active is bringing the best of cardio and strength equipment, classes and wellness activities to resident’s doorsteps of the Novus building. The club will feature exciting amenities including, but certainly not limited to, Canada’s largest cycling studio, 185+ fitness classes per week such as HIIT and pilates, a Himalayan salt lounge and meditation pod as well as an interactive kid’s club and food and beverage services. Set to open this November, fall could not come soon enough!
Coast
Thanks to the great success of Coast’s 2 downtown location openings, a third has opened up in Vaughn ready to serve those in the GTA. Coast’s surf and turf ghost kitchen is run by acclaimed chef Matt Dean Pettit who has created a delivery-only menu of mouthwatering PEI Lobster Rolls, Smashed Cheeseburgers, Hot Shrimp Sandwiches and more. Check them out on Ritual, Doordash and Uber Eats.
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La Pecora
While originally a pasta pop-up opened this past December, selling authentic pasta kits, pizza, porchetta and more, La Pecora has the hopes of serving dine-in customers as restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, delivery of all of their menu items is available. Make sure to check out their Instagram as the menu changes weekly. You can expect selections similar to the pasta kits such as the handmade ricotta-stuffed Ravioli Abruzzese and the Pappardelle con Coda alla Vaccinara made of oxtail ragu.
Emily Rose Café
This month-old café has found its home on Palmerston, just North of Bloor, and hopefully, it’s here to stay. Emily Rose Café serves up handmade pastries and goodies like a Coffeecake and Walnut Streusel, Lemon Blueberry Bundt and fresh Tea Biscuits complimented with a Vanilla Honey Butter. Be sure to check out the Dried Sumac Berries, Quince Jams, Bagel Spice and other hand-crafted elements for sale as well at this sweet coffee shop.
Stefano’s Sandwiches
Stefano’s Sandwiches is Toronto’s newest plant-based comfort food shop, serving up vegan sandwiches, sides, dessert and more. With options like the Vegan Meatball Sub, Vegan Filet O Fish and vegan all-day breakfast sandwich it is no wonder that they sold out of all menu items within their first week of being open. Orders are available through Skip the Dishes delivery or pickup.
Shinyi Dumplings
This impressive new dumpling spot on Yonge, south of Bloor, is serving up the prettiest dumplings around town. Handmade in an array of beautiful colours and stuffed with a large variety of beef, chicken, pork, seafood and veggie fillings, Shinyi is a must-try. Other options include Smashed Cucumber Salad, Kung-Pao Chicken and Shrimp Skewers with Crispy Chili.
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Closings:
Le Select Bistro
After over 40 years of service to Toronto, Le Select Bistro has closed its doors for good. The beloved French bistro has had to sell its location to new owners due to financial complications as a result of this cursed pandemic. Au revoir Le Select.
Gordon’s Pub and Kitchen
Unfortunately for patrons of this Leslieville Pub, Gordon’s closed their doors on January 30. The closure came only a year after the original opening, as the landlord ultimately had to take over the space.
Godiva
It is with our heads hung low that we must report that the adored chocolatiers at Godiva will be shutting down all 128 stores across North America. Unfortunately, the 11 Canadian stores are no exception and will be permanently closed by March of this dreaded year.
Bacon Nation
The loss of tourism to Toronto’s Kensington Market is to blame for this bacon-loving restaurant’s closure. Bacon Nation once specialized in all things pork but was inevitably forced to shut down last month as the sales never recovered.
See Also: Openings + Closings: Coffee Shops, Bakeries, Restaurants & More
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