TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST

THIS JUST IN: Next-door neighbours and occupants in the same building rule this edition of THE TIP OFF. This Week’s Top 5 Stories: A Yorkville restaurant is changing up more than the decor, a fine dining restaurant expands nearby, the closure of a buzzy destination, the arrival of a new venture from industry pros, and a downtown addition with roots in a city known for its waterfalls. Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. p.p.s. You’d better get caught up: In just over two months, I’ve reported nearly 60 breaking and exclusive news items in THE TIP OFF alone. That’s in addition to an average of 15-30 establishments in my weekly OPEN/CLOSED. NO ONE COVERS TORONTO/GTA LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded February 20, 2025. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

THIS JUST IN: Earlier this week, I gave you the inside scoop on a burgeoning area for fine dining (See The Tip Off - Edition 10). Did you know? A Michelin-awarded restaurant just debuted in a cozy neighbourhood that’s home to a few with similar accolades. Upscale restaurants and steakhouses continue to arrive with gusto - in this instance, right across the street from one another. And the activity on King West continues - with one destination that’s been in the works for years, and another that’s adding to the mix - 11 years later. Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded February 14, 2025. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

THIS JUST IN: Big changes at “Canada’s first Detroit style pizzeria,” news about one of the city’s most unique restaurants, another closure on King West, a local hospitality group adds to the roster, and a fine dining destination in a location that’s developing into a hotspot for haute cuisine. Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded February 11, 2025. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

THIS JUST IN: A renowned Toronto clothier adds to the lineup, changes to dining at a historic music venue, update on one of the city’s swankiest steakhouses, tracking closures includes temporary shut downs, and speaking of closures - BREAKING NEWS about another big one in the heart of downtown. Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded February 6, 2025. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

THIS JUST IN: Fusion is the name of the game at this new spot downtown, Mississauga’s about to get a resto that’s anything but casual, comfort food and cocktails by a local hospitality group is touching down somewhere familiar, psst - a popular destination is expanding its footprint just outside the city, and there’s still time to visit a long-running eatery before doors close.Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less.p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time.TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next...NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto RestaurantsRecorded January 24, 2025.Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurantsOPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosedLinks to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurantsProduced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

THIS JUST IN: More changes in Midtown, an all-day destination lands east side, industry pros debut a fusion cocktail bar, and what was recently home to a Michelin-starred restaurant is something completely different now. Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next... NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded January 17, 2025. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

THIS JUST IN: BREAKING NEWS about another big restaurant downtown, intel on the city’s latest hotel, changes at dim sum destinations around town, and exclusive details about an exciting new venture by top Toronto chefs. Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less.p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next... NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded January 10, 2024. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

This is a story about food, culture, music, love, finding your people and passions, and following your dreams no matter what. Ashley McKay and Aldo Camarena are two of the most inspiring chefs and people I’ve ever met. I interviewed them from afar for my chef series ‘At The Pass’ during the pandemic and have wanted to sit down with them in person to hear more ever since. I’m honoured and thrilled to have them as my first guests for Episode 1 of my new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST. This exhilarating tale about their culinary journey extends beyond the plate. Filmed on the second last day of their XOLO pop-up at Standard Time on Geary, the wildly accomplished couple share their experiences working in some of the city’s top restaurants, launching one of the most exhilarating pop-ups, adding DJing to the mix, and other stories, resulting in a captivating, mouth-watering, (we almost short-circuit the mics!) and heartfelt interview that delves deep into art, history, culture, ingredients, local farmers and producers, with lots of great vinyl along the way. And if that’s not enough, they share an EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT! Psst. You heard it here if you weren’t at Standard Time for their last night. SOO EXCITED!! Stephanie Dickison | Toronto RestaurantsTR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST, check out the website and follow on socials (all links below) because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next… NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. SPONSOR: One of the city's best places for coffee and baked goods, Contra Cafe at Dupont & Shaw (1028 Shaw St.). Want to advertise on an upcoming episode? Visit https://bit.ly/AdvertisewithTR for details. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Links to everything else Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next…👀🔥 NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded December 28, 2024. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

THIS JUST IN: A new omakase destination just arrived - and it’s NOT downtown. Burlesque in Greektown? And there’s cake? Speaking of dessert, get in on the latest spot for tiramisu and other Italian must-haves. Hot tip: This Mexican item is about to take over your fyp. (Hint: It’s NOT tacos.) And when are these big steakhouses set to launch? Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED, featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips and the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Like and subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST and follow on Instagram because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next…👀🔥 NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. By Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants Recorded December 28, 2024. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

You’re not going to believe what’s taking over a former food hall, downtown hotels ditch their restaurants to make way for new ventures and a historic one gets an unexpected addition, and an exhilarating dining destination lands at Queen and Dovercourt. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. Recorded December 21, 2024. Hosted by Stephanie Dickison. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by Chris Garbutt, VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

In this edition: Dundas West hotspot on the approach, Toronto destinations heading south of the border, DJs and dancing near King & Sherbourne, the loss of another west end watering hole, and breaking news about an Ossington stalwart. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. Recorded December 13, 2024. Hosted by Stephanie Dickison. Produced by Chris Garbutt. Website - https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED - https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Links to everything else - https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by VQC Media - info@vqcmedia.me

I've never seen anything like it. In 15+ years of diligently covering the restaurant scene in Toronto/GTA, it's never been more frenzied - endless cycle of breaking news upon breaking news. Just as I begin writing about one item, seven more have occurred. My OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings (virtual/brick-and-mortar/pop-ups/all the things),closures, and food/drink news Toronto and the GTA. Yep, bigger and better than any other outlet. But I get it. You’re busy, on-the-go. Who has time to read these days? I’ve got a quick fix for that. Introducing THE TIP OFF, a weekly rundown featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips on incoming trends, and roundup of the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen or heard it before. While some items will appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. You don't want to miss it. Subscribe now to get in on the action. The inaugural edition of The Tip Off starts off with a bang: The influx of Ossington arrivals continues - this time with a themed bar, an exciting new bakery debuts in Oakville, Dundas West’s latest destination is inspired by Japanese ‘kissaten’, and the announcement of another long-standing restaurant closing before year’s end. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS. Recorded December 6, 2024. Hosted by Stephanie Dickison with Chris Garbutt. Website https://bit.ly/TRTorontoRestaurants OPEN/CLOSED https://bit.ly/TROpenClosed Lnk in Bio - Links to everything https://lnk.bio/TorontoRestaurants Produced by VQC Media info@vqcmedia.me