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THE RADAR Toronto joins the Eataly club and we get an option for upscale dining in a classic cinema. EATA LY If you’ve ever dreamt of strolling the aisles of a specialty grocery store, combing over the selection of fancy cheese with a glass of wine in hand, your fantasy is now a reality. Following successful openings in New York, Chicago and L.A., Italian purveyor Eataly opened a sprawling outpost in the Manulife Centre at Bay and Bloor. The Italian-themed mega complex encompasses grocery aisles, three different restaurants, almost a dozen different bars and counters for to-go food items and drinks (the whole place is licensed) and even a brewery complete with bottle shop and tasting room. At first glance it might seem like an over-glorified grocery store, but the quality fare is well worth the hype. The freshmade pasta, available to purchase and cook at home, will keep us coming back. eataly.ca
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BAR KOUK L A One of the latest additions to Ossington’s restaurant row, Bar Koukla offers small plates of Hellenic dishes like baked feta wrapped in crispy phyllo with pomegranates, eggplant salad and grilled lamb ribs with tzatziki. Koukla – a Greek term of endearment meaning ‘doll’ – is a very date friendly spot to share a few plates. Have a glass from their list of natural, organic, biodynamic Mediterranean wine. koukla.mamakas.ca
THE GRAND ELVIS When Rose and Sons closed, a collective cry for pastrami sandwiches was heard around the city. But comfort-food king Anthony Rose didn’t leave us hanging for too long before opening his newest endeavor: the Grand Elvis. Sink your teeth into the alreadyfamous “Brindle Room-style” banquet burger with pickle and fries on a potato roll – an homage to the famous New York City burger. Or cozy up with a plate of beef stew and you’ll forget all about pastramis gone past. thegrandelvis.com
The beloved Leslieville brunch spot has added a western outpost. With a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients, the Green Wood on King serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails all week. The menu has rustic Mediterranean bowls and sandwiches that require two hands. eatgreenwood.com
F R E E P L AY AR CAD E College and Spadina has a new spot to drive, shoot or wakawaka-waka your way through the arcade classics. There’s a $5 cover charge, but as the name suggests, all 50+ retro games are set to free play. For a side of grownup fun, there are 20 beers on tap and themed cocktails. Bar snacks include mini pogos and mac ‘n’ cheese wedges. freeplaytoronto.com
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BA R B ILT M O R E & OST ER I A R IALTO
Toronto’s newest Kyō-kaiseki (aka multicourse Japanese dinner) restaurant landed in Yorkville this winter. Aburi Restaurants (who also run Miku and TORA) are offering diners two 15-course meal options for $195 or $330. Courses might feature items like tuna belly sashimi, sea urchin or lobster sushi depending on the day, all served on Japanese Arita porcelain dishware. Cocktails aren’t on the menu, but with unique wine and sake pairings curated for your meal, you won’t miss them. aburihana.com
What happens when restaurant-industry veterans move into the renovated retro Paradise Theatre? A little bit of magic. Biltmore focuses on spritzers, sours and negronis alongside small sharing plates while Osteria Rialto plays the leading role for innovating classic Italian cuisine. paradiseonbloor.com
