Temporarily shuttered last summer when its lease ran out, Yonge and Eglinton’s Cha Liu has relaunched downtown as Cha Lau (476 Yonge, at Alexander, 647-344-6578, chalaudimsum.com).
The name might have changed, but the agenda remains the same: mainstream dim sum at slightly higher price points than Chinatown but minus the grungy Spadina veneer.
Changes at Fabarnak
Executive chef Eric Wood has left fabulous Fabarnak (519 Church, at Dundonald, 416-355-6781, fabarnak.com), superseded by his long-time sous, Jason Becker. Other than hinting he’ll be opening an anti-comfort-food spot in the core in the very near future, Wood remains tight-lipped about his immediate plans.
“I’d hate to fall into the same trap as so many who boast and declare time-frames, and then fall short,” Wood explains.
Fili soul
Rising out of the ashes of Rosebud, Lamesa Filipino Kitchen (669 Queen West, at Bathurst, 647-346-2377, dev.lamesafilipinokitchen.com) is now open for preview suppers, although it doesn’t officially get under way till May 5. Watch for ex-Oyster Boy and Cadillac Lounge chef Rudy Boquila’s contemporary takes on pork adobo and seafood sinigang stew in the former home of Mister Pong.
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