Greenhouse Juice Co.
Forest Hill is getting into the cold-pressed juice trend with a new Greenhouse Juice Co. (328 Lonsdale, at Spadina, greenhousejuice.com). The chain’s fourth location (excluding a pop-up shop on King West) is located beside Track Fitness, which may provide an incentive to actually hit the gym.
Pass The Table app
Toronto food writer Jason Finestone has created an app called Pass The Table, which promises off-menu dining experiences at a growing list of over 65 partners. Diners who book through the app eat from a separate menu, or in unique venues like breweries, vineyards or even a chef’s home.
Levetto
In the old Hadley’s space, which sat empty for almost a year, Levetto (940 College, at Dovercourt, levetto.com) has opened its doors. Once known as Trambusto, the Italian restaurant chain is probably most famous for its connection to former premier Mike Harris, who served as chair of the Tramez Restaurant Corp., one of the restaurant’s backers. It’s the eatery’s second location in Toronto, the first being in Liberty Village – it also operates restaurants in Burlington, Vaughan, Waterloo and Baden.
Carl’s Jr.
Yonge and St. Clair is getting another burger joint to add to Hero Burger, Holy Chuck and Harvey’s. This time it’s American chain Carl’s Jr. (1431 Yonge, at St. Clair, carlsjr.com). The company already operates in western Canada, but this (and a Queen West location) will be the chain’s first foray into the Toronto market.
Kasamoto
Set to open in the old Remy’s space in Yorkville, Kasamoto (115 Yorkville, at Hazelton, kasamoto.ca), from the Chase Hospitality group (better known for their restaurants the Chase, the Chase Fish and Oyster, Colette Grand Café and Little Fin), will add one more Japanese restaurant to the neighbourhood.
A3 Napoli
Porchetta and Co.’s Nick auf der Mauer and Pizzeria Libretto’s Rocco Agostino have partnered to develop the menu at a new College Street spot, A3 Napoli Pizzeria e Friggitoria (589 College, at Clinton, a3napoli.blogspot.ca). “Friggitoria” is Italian for “fried food shop,” so it’s a safe bet that pizza and fried food will be on offer.
Gilead (CLOSING)
Jamie Kennedy’s Gilead (4 Gilead, at King), one of the earlier gentrifiers of Corktown, is set to close. The 42 seat restaurant is up for sale (jamiekennedy.ca/index.php/happenings/2015/02/27/gilead-cafe-wine-bar-available-for-sale), including the option to keep the name, with an ambitious possible opening of April 1.
Le Petit Castor (CLOSED)
Rosedale’s most famous bar, Le Petit Castor (1118 Yonge, at Macpherson), has quietly closed. The spot, which served both dinner and drinks, was best known for its Pink Panther cocktails (and taxidermy animals on the walls.) Rosedalians needn’t fret, though, the Quail and Firkin across the street is still open for business.
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