When Darryl Koster of Buster Rhino’s (7-2001 Thickson Road South, at Wentworth, 905-436-6986, busterrhinos.com) rib pit in Whitby placed near the top of NOW’s ultimate BBQ smackdown last summer, he made no secret of the fact that he had his eye on opening a full-service resto somewhat closer to the downtown core in the not too distant future. Now that he’s officially announced his expansion into hog-wild Hogtown, he still hasn’t said where or when. Some suggest Kensington Market and Leslieville are contenders for the ‘cue.
“We have a huge cheering section of customers all screaming for their neighbourhood,” says Koster.
What are the must-haves?
“An existing liquor licence is top of my list,” says Koster, “and a patio would be awesome, though finding one isn’t easy. I’d be grateful if you know or hear of places that are available.”
Contact Koster at info@busterrhinos.com.
Pop-up stops
The Drake BBQ (1150 Queen West, at Beaconsfield, 416-531-5042, thedrakehotel.ca) pulled its last South Carolina-style Perth County smoked pork shoulder sandwich on Saturday (July 2). It was never intended to be a permanent venture, but the late-night pop-up op will be greatly missed, especially after last call.
Chef Anthony Rose now turns his gaze to a summer series of themed suppers the trendy boutique hotel has dubbed The Dining Roadshow – first stop, Summer School Dining Hall. Think kitschy classroom decor, servers in school uniforms and dinner dished up on cafeteria trays. Sound familiar?
“I give them F+ for originality,” quips nearby School’s (70 Fraser, at Liberty, 416-588-0005, schooltoronto.com) principal principal, Brad Moore, whose Liberty Village all-day brunch spot also sports an academically inspired motif. “And A+ for lameness.”
Viva La Vegan
Retro vegetarian diner Sadie’s (504 Adelaide West, at Portland, 416-777-2343) looks set to open a vegan juice bar in Kensington Market later this month. Located at 146 Baldwin just west of Spadina and a few doors down from super-hot Hot Beans, the new joint’s main focus is dairy-free ice cream and vegan snacks. Business is so good for the Beans team, they’re launching Hogtown Vegan in the old African Palace at Bloor and Shaw by summer’s end.
