Opening
Since closing their first restaurant, Swish by Han, brothers Leemo and Leeto Han have moved on to their next project, a Japanese-style izakaya called Hanmoto at 2 Lakeview (at Ossington) just a short distance from their other restaurant, Oddseoul, on the Ossington strip. At just-opened Hanmoto: snacks like steamed enoki with miso butter, don katsu made from panko-crusted pork belly and chef Leemo’s take on Lunchables.
The mystery behind the renovations at the iconic Peter Pan Bistro (373 Queen West, at Peter) is close to being solved. New owner and chef Noah Goldberg has a new website up and running. While the restaurant isn’t open yet, the site describes a nose-to-tail approach with nods to classic European cooking and some cheeky touches similar to Goldberg’s approach back when he was at six-month pop-up the Feasting Room.
Also on Queen West, taking over the space that once housed the short-lived Social Bar Café (though most people probably know it as the former Chococrepe space), is Del Ray So-Cal Cantina (620 Queen West, at Markham). Day of the Dead iconography, micheladas, $2 Taco Tuesdays, chili, nachos, quesadillas – ya dig?
Closings
After more than 50 years in operation, Moe Pancer’s Deli has closed. A notice on the door cites non-payment of rent, leaving the city with one less classic Jewish restaurant. We may have newer places like Caplansky’s and Fat Pasha, but it’s the end of an era for old-school delicatessens for sure.
Events
By now you’ve probably abandoned your resolution to eat healthier, so catch the last half of La Poutine Week, when restaurants across the city offer a $10-or-less poutine special. Participants include Holy Chuck, The Pie Commission and Rock Lobster. Click here for more info.
Know of any openings, closings or whether proposing in a restaurant on Valentine’s Day is sweet or gauche? Email food@nowtoronto.com.
