Posted by Greg Clow in restaurant closings, restaurant news, restaurant openings on January 20, 2008 at 6:06 pm
January is generally a pretty quiet time in the restaurant world, but there is still a bit of activity to report, such as the recent low-key opening of Delux (92 Ossington Avenue), the new restaurant from owner-chef Corinna Mozo that takes over the space formerly held by The Swallow. Early reports on the food have been positive, although some are disappointed that the promised Cuban influence has been downplayed somewhat in deference to a more traditional French bistro feel. Still, it's a welcome addition to the ever-evolving Ossington strip.
Bistro fare is also the focus at Coquine (2075 Yonge Street), a new restaurant and bar operating in the former home of the Manor Arms Pub. Chef Alejandro Bustamante (ex-Gooderham House) has put together a menu that balances French and Belgian bistro classics (steak frites, moules frites, cassoulet) with a bit of Italian flair (Caprese salad, figs with prosciutto, various pastas), all for reasonable prices ($7-$25).
A couple of places listed as "coming soon" in our last T.O. Tidbits column are now open for business. Across from St. Lawrence Market, the location vacated last month by Ninth Gate Korean Bistro has been quickly transformed into Eleven (11 Jarvis Street), the new home of chef Brad Moore (ex-Xacutti). Moore describes his menu as "contemporary world comfort cuisine", with dinner dishes including "Seared Tuna with Tapioca Cumin Fritters, Tamarind Green Chilies and Cucumber Yogurt", "Sesame-Tamarind Duck Breast with Wild Mushrooms and Spinach", "Cinnamon-Guava Back Rib BBQ with Gingered Beets", and the mysterious "Burgers – with Secrets". Lunch service leans toward sandwiches and salads, while brunch features plenty of options both sweet and savoury.
Around the corner, Eight Wine Bar (8 Colborne Street) is now open at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, with the dishes of chef Derek Kennedy paired with wine selections from consulting sommelier Zoltan Szabo. There seems to be a "comfort food" vibe going on here as well, with offerings including rack of lamb, black cod and shepherd's pie, and various tasting plates.
Down in Liberty Village, Atelier Thuet (171 East Liberty Street) are expanding into the unit next door and opening Atelier Café this week. Anyone who has visited the shop should know what to expect from the menu - i.e. lots of charcuterie and other meaty delights - and the reasonable prices (nothing more than $15) should attract a loyal lunch crowd.
Finally, we bid a sudden farewell to MIMOSA Bistro & Wine Bar (2497 Yonge Street), which was shuttered last weekend after being sold by owners Serge Janjic and Vladimir Krol. And in the Entertainment District, Brasserie Frisco (133 John Street) has packed it in, and will soon be replaced by the newest location of casual dining chain Jack Astor's.
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.
