Two of Chinatown’s most venerable vegetarian restaurants are on the move, one to a location a few blocks west, and the other to a spot yet to be determined. Cafe 668 (668 Dundas Street West) is the former, with their new location at 885 Dundas Street West looking close to completion, and very swank to boot.

Meanwhile, mock meat haven Bo De Duyen (254 Spadina Avenue) is facing a fast-approaching lease expiry and they are unsure where they’ll be moving. As reported on their Facebook fan group, they’re hoping to find a new downtown location, but failing that, they will likely relocate to the less convenient Dundas and St. Clair area where the owner has a mixed residential/commercial building.

Changes are also afoot on College Street, where two almost-next-door neighbours are undergoing radical redos. Steakhouse 65 Degrees has been transformed into Riva Supper Lounge (584 College Street), with a Mediterranean-themed menu that has had some input from chef Sergio Andreas Fiorino, last seen at the infamously ill-fated Fumetti. A couple of doors over, the former home of Sintra is now known as Il Sorriso (588 College Street), and based on the name, we’re guessing it’s Italian. Because if there’s anything that Little Italy needs, it’s another Italian restaurant…

Local pioneers of the gourmet burger trend, HAL Burgers (244 Adelaide Street West), have closed up shop after 18 months in the entertainment district. The announcement of the closure on their website doesn’t give much in the way of details, but it does mention that “HAL Burgers could possibly rise again”, so fans of their high-end patties and chi-chi condiments can hold on to some hope.

Two Queen West pubs have bitten the dust, although one has already been replaced. At the eastern edge of the strip, Jeremiah Bullfrog’s (225 Queen Street West) has hopped off, with The Original Motorcycle Cafe speeding in to take over the prime location. And a few blocks west, hipster and student fave the Queenshead Pub (659 Queen Street West) has suddenly shuttered, with a dreaded landlord letter in the window.

And finally, the wait is almost over for the opening of Michael Summerfield’s long anticipated Prohibiton (696 Queen Street East). Originally planned to be dubbed Booze Emporium before the AGCO objected, this “gastro-pub” from the former co-owner of Eau has been in the works for months, but is now on the verge of opening, perhaps as soon as this week. Advance buzz promises a friendly neighbourhood vibe with pool tables, good beer, and oysters from Rodney’s. Now, that sounds like my kinda place!

If you have a scoop to share about the local food & restaurant scene, please let us know so we can include it in a future edition of T.O. Tidbits.