The DL on Drake’s Pick 6ix Relaunch, chef Romain Avril on the Move, and lots more

Another week in Toronto, another (or several for that matter) opening, closing, chef swap, inspector warning and lots more. We all know the hospitality space in Toronto is quite volatile, and incestuous… so get ready for the scoop.

Here we go!

Michelin Star experienced chef Avril on the Move

Word on the street is that Toronto’s Michelin Star experienced chef Romain Avril, widely known for previously heading up Lavelle Rooftop Bar & restaurant, which recently headed up the opening of Neruda restaurant in the Beaches on Lakeshore Blvd. E. is on the move. Our sources tell us that chef is set to depart by the end of the month. We wonder where he will end up next. As soon as we know you’ll know so stay tuned.

The Centner’s bringing a little bit of Paris to Toronto?

Our sources tell us that Toronto Entertainment and Hospitality powerhouse Sebastien and Sheila Centner, who own Eatertainment for starters, One Eighty restaurant on the 51st floor of the Manulife centre, and a art gallery/event space on the west end of the city are working on a new addition… and something tells us it’s going to be Parisian inspired of some sort. On some recent social media stories, Sebastien traveled to Paris with his executive chef seen popping in and out of Paris bakeries and devouring some delicious Parisian treats. Something tells us theres something “sweet” up their sleeves. We’ll keep our eyes, ears and tastebuds on the watch for ya.

Shazam! Fan Experience takes over Yonge-Dundas Square

Warner Bros Canada kicks off a Shazam! Fan Experience Activation that takes over Yonge-Dundas Square. We came across the labourers setting  up the activation earlier this week, and recent social media posts and a Facebook event confirms that #SHAZAM returns to #The6ix with special appearances by stars Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Director David F. Sandberg. Fans can join the cast for the opening of the world-exclusive Shazam at Yonge-Dundas Square on March 14 at 4 pm or drop by the square to step into Shazam’s lair on Mar 14 (6 – 8 pm) and Mar 15 (11 am – 9 pm).

Canada’s First Guerlain Spa to Open in the 6ix

Word on the stress is that Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection will be home to Canada’s first Guerlain Spa set to open in late Spring/early Summer. Guerlain, a French perfume, cosmetics and skincare house, which is among the oldest and most prestigious brands in the world, will fit right in to the Toronto Hotel Spa Landscape. The partnership is said to being creating an exclusive new menu of personalized treatments focusing on beauty and wellbeing while using signature products for facials, massages and body treatments. The Guerlain Spa at Hotel X Toronto will offer ten treatment rooms with pre-and-post stay relaxation rooms with gorgeous views overlooking the laker. We can’t wait!

Restaurant Openings, Closings, Expansions and more

Word on the street is that Mira the Peruvian restaurant on Wellington St is said to be expanding to Vaughan with a second location.

According to signs across from LCBO Summer hill on Yonge St., a new restaurant called Sash Restaurant and Winebar is set to be opening up. No dates projected for the opening but we will keep our eyes peeled.

Just across the street in Summerhill, Impact Kitchen seems to be opening up another location there on Yonge St. too. This would be their 3rd location.

As we’ve previously reported, Drake’s Pick 6ix closed down last fall, but according to their Instagram, the’ve shifted the concept slightly and relaunched as Pick 6ix Sports. The new concept will introduce a brand-new look and feel, at the original location, creating a contemporary sports bar destination in the heart of the city’s Financial District. With a revamped menu from Executive Chef Ivan Bailey (replacing chef Antonio Park), Pick 6ix Sports will offer fresh, modern pub fare with a twist. Menu items will include elevated bar classics, all with a signature spin, complemented by a craft beer list, cocktails, martini’s and wines.

Word on the street is that Michael’s on Simcoe steakhouse is expanding and set to open a new location across from the Scotiabank Arena. It’s said to be the same concept but more of a boutique steakhouse. Our sources tell us that it was suppose to open last month, but we haven’t seen any action yet. As soon as we know a set date, you’ll know too.

The much anticipated Zebu Brazilian Steakhouse on John St. is finally set to open this month. Our sources tell us that they had some unexpected delays (which we reported in our last edition of Seen + Heard), but the wait is finally coming to an end. Let’s just say we got a sneak preview, and let’s just say… it’s going to be one of a hotspot. Think sexy steakhouse, with a Brazilian flair, stunning designs, and all the trimmings. Notable mention: their absolutely stunning patio which can be both heated (in the cold season) and cooled by misting hoses (like the ones from Jack Astors) for the hot summer months. We can’t wait to share with  you a First Look!

Goldie on King St. W., formerly headed up by chef Avril, relaunched a new foods and bar menu this past week. Some of their delicious bites included gold dusted boneless chicken bites, fresh vegetable salad roles, and ceviche.

Bar Begonia closed its doors after three short but sweet years to make room for Fet Zun at 252 Dupont St., Anthony Rose’s Middle Eastern concept.

According to recent signage Gyubee AYCE (All You Can Eat) Japanese Grill chain is set to open a 4th location on Queen West at 157 Queen St. W., and another one at the ByWard Market in Ottawa. Gyubee, which claims they are the only AYCE Japanese barbecue restaurant that provides quality and fresh ingredients, already has locations on Woodbine in Markham, Midland in Scarborough, and on Bloor West in downtown. Are we seeing a common trend here? Hmm…

Shozan Room opened it’s doors at 164 Ossington Ave. on Feb. 22. With a mouthwatering take on a modern Japanese fusion menu.

My Roti opens a new concept on King West called, My Meatball Place, where Poutini’s formerly was next door to Goldie’s Bar is (where Candyland burlesque bar formerly was). Lot’s of turnover in that area… we know. But this place look promising! The menu features meatball offerings inspired by world cuisines alongside mouthwatering internationally inspired sauces.

International restaurant chain, Yunshang Rice Noodle (featured in the header image and video) continues to expand, with 4-other locations in the GTA alone, along with Vancouver, Montreal and New York, with another location opening on March 15th  at 5285 Yonge Street, Unit 5, in North York. To celebrate the grand opening, Yunshang North York store will be giving out Free Yunshang Bridge Rice Noodles to the first 100 people on March 15th and 16th starting from 6pm each day (No purchase required; First come first serve).

We recently caught wind that Patois, a Jamaican fusion restaurant on Dundas West, which was previously quite the popular brunch spot is now closed during the days. They’re still offering their dinner service. That said, the word on the street is that they will be back in the Toronto Brunch scene in time for the Spring weather we have in store.

Not your average meat locker — Eglinton Ave. is getting a new fancy steakhouse called The Nomad Steakhouse. Signs have been up for some time but there seems to be some traction online with listings etc. so we anticipate that the team is getting things in gear for opening. Hopefully we will have an update soon. Stay tuned for when you can book your date with a New York Steak. 😉

Retail Turnover, Relocations and Growth

As you may have heard Diesel recently filed for Bankruptcy in the US, word on the street is that they are set to close their stores in Canada by June this year, including their Yorkville boutique.

Scotch and Soda CF Toronto Eaton Centre is relocating from the second floor (ground floor) to another location on the third floor where the former Le Chateau Men’s Store was.

According to Urban Toronto, the frequently crowded Apple Store CF Toronto Eaton Centre location is set to relocate, but don’t worry because it’s not going far. It’s said to be relocating to the 2nd floor (ground floor) where Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) formerly was. It seems the reason for our above announced relocation of Scotch and Soda is due to the relocation of apple reported to be moving from their current 4,977ft² space to a new 15,178 ft² space — which would be triple the side. Which was made possible by combining the spaces of A&F, Baby Gap and Scotch and Soda. Talk about expansion. Maybe then there will be more Genius bar team members to save the day soon enough.

Don’t quote us, but we strive to ensure they’re as accurate as possible. But like you know, the word on the street changes daily. Have a tip or heard of something coming in the pipeline? Send us an email to editor@viewthevibe.com (with a Subject line of Seen+Heard Tip), or use our contact us form for an anonymous submission.  Cheers!