Chef Chris Stewart, formerly of Hawksworth and Mission Hill Winery Restaurant, has joined the Donnelly Group as its new culinary director. Stewart will be working with executive chef Alvin Pillay and product and development chef Sarah Stewart (no relation) to oversee menu development and execution at Donnelly’s 12 pubs and three cocktail bars in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and Toronto, as well as a new beer hall opening in Toronto later this winter.
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Long-time Commercial Drive institution Havana Restaurant has been bought by the owners of the Settlement Building, which houses Belgard Kitchen, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Urban Winery and Postmark Brewing. No word yet on any changes that might be made to the space.
After almost nine years in operation, La Taqueria is closing the original Hastings Street location for renovations until January 2018. Last day of service is Nov. 24, which will be celebrated with two-for-one tacos 2-5 p.m. The Hornby Street location will remain open.
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Westcoast Poké has added an unusual item to its menu… vegan tuna. Produced by Ocean Hugger Foods, the plant-based tuna substitute, marketed as Ahimi, claims to replicate the best characteristics of ahi tuna; the deep, red colour, the meaty texture and the distinct flavour. Ahimi is made using tomatoes, water, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil, and is chemical- and GMO-free.
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria and Mealshare have partnered to fight youth hunger with sales of Famoso’s Campania Tomato Sauce. For every jar of sauce sold between now and Dec. 31 at all Famoso locations in Western Canada, one meal will be provided to a Canadian youth in the community where the sauce was sold.
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Sammy Piccolo, owner of the Prado cafes, has opened Spade on Commercial Drive. The new venture will see the space function as a café and restaurant, offering pastries, coffee, daily brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as cocktails, wine and local craft beer. The menu will be overseen by chef and GM Kathleen Pearce.
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Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery will be opening at 1889 Powell St. in December. The new café is the first solo venture from husband-and-wife team Haitham El Khatib and Fiona Hepher. The restaurant will feature staples of Middle Eastern cuisine, from multiple regions.
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Rocky Mountain Flatbread has added a new plant-based menu to its regular offerings. The new vegan additions include appetizers, artisan pizzas, soups, salads and organic pastas. Gluten-free alternatives are also available. Instead of nut cheeses, chef Oliver Zulauf has created a cauliflower-based cheese and drizzle (the restaurant is entirely nut-free) for vegan items.
Railtown Catering is once again offering its turkey-to-go dinner package in ready-to-eat and ready-to-bake formats, available for pick up and delivery on Dec. 24, 25 and 26. Each dinner is suitable for eight to 10 people and includes a 16-pound sage-roasted turkey with giblet gravy, stuffing, an array of side dishes, cranberry sauce, rolls and focaccia bread, and dessert. Optional add-ons include a variety of extra sides, desserts and sauces for larger groups, as well as vegetarian-friendly tofu skewers. Each package is $299 plus tax. A portion of proceeds from each package sold will be donated to Mission Possible. Deadline for orders is Wednesday, Dec. 20 at noon.
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Thomas Haas has updated his line-up with a new holiday collection that includes Christmas-themed confections, stocking stuffers, his signature stollen and bûche de noël. Creations include chocolate Rudolph, Santa belly and Snowman sculptures stuffed with chocolate covered nuts; chocolate trees; truffle trees; holiday tree barks; stuffed Santa’s boot; chocolate ornaments; and eight varieties of the classic Yule log.
Thierry Café has also announced its holiday line-up of sweets and cakes, including bûches de noël in a variety of flavours. Choose from chestnut with hazelnut sponge, bavaroise, cream, chocolate ganache, and meringue mushrooms; chocolate-caramel cadeaux with chocolate mousse, spicy hazelnut cream; lemon curd and raspberry gelée; or the famous blood orange. There will also be kugelhopf, kirsch-soaked and chocolate-covered cherries, spiced tarts and more.
On Saturday, Nov. 25, New District Dunbar is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a holiday kick-off and anniversary party with wine, beer and spirits tastings between noon and 8 p.m.
