Cheap Eats Toronto restaurant guide blog

Happy Seven Not So Happy

This afternoon the Public health inspectors closed down Happy Seven because rats were photographed, videotaped and broadcasted live on Breakfast TV this morning. 

The rats were first spotted yesterday and photos were posted on both BlogTO and Torontoist, which triggered Toronto's Public Health inspectors to re-inspect the restaurant even though Happy Seven had just passed a health inspection on October 2nd.

TheStar.com says that 3 rats were caught by traps set by management last night and quotes Councillor John Filion, chair of the Toronto Board of Health, as saying "It's an unusual situation," he said. "The rats must have shown up between the last inspection and yesterday. They haven't been there long enough to leave evidence."

Public Health inspectors point out that while rats in Chinatown have gotten the blogosphere snapping photos and chattering this year, they aren't the only restaurants in town with the problem.

If you see a health code violation in any restaurant, you can report it to Toronto Public Health.

 

Video shot by Jesse Ship, Arts Editor of Format Magazine, below fold...

Mimi's No More

Mimi's No More

In a span of 3 days, I had 2 people tell me that Mimi's closed. Anna emailed to let me know and then I ran into Bob Blumer who told me about the obit he wrote for Now. (don't worry, Mimi herself is fine)

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Technorati Tags: cheapeatstoronto, mimi's, bob blumer, now magazine, red pen update, closure

Living Well is now Arrabiata Trattoria

Living Well, on Yonge, south of Bloor is in the process of becoming Arrabiata Trattoria RestoBar. Arrabiata, 692 Yonge Street, is still being setup and since they haven't posted a menu (or opening date) we won't know for a while whether it is a CheapEat or not.

Red Pen: pg. 96 of CheapEats Toronto, Living Well - closed.

While it's sad to see this neighbourhood fixture go, it won't surprise our friends who went to Living Well for a very disappointing dinner during Pride.

Technorati tags: living well, ceto, arrabiata trattoria, yonge street, restaurants, red pen updates, closures

Time For a Change

Time For a Change

Yes it's true. Not only has Amato closed it's flagship location on Queen West, but The Friendly Thai is taking over. The Friendly Thai has already closed their Queen West location and are moving about a block further west. With a "Grand Buffet" no less.

Mangosteen is now in the original The Friendly Thai Queen West location. Has anyone checked Mangosteen out yet?  What did you think?

 

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p.s. yah, we know the Mangosteenonqueen.com link isn't working yet, but it might be up soon.

Technorati tags: toronto, restaurants, the friendly thai, amato, queen street west, mangosteen, new restaurant, closures, new locations, red pen updates

Mr. Tasty says goodbye

Mr. Tasty says goodbye

After 18 years serving burgers, steak sandwiches and some excellent fries to Ryerson students and the late late night crowds around Church & Gerrard, the Mr.Tasty is closed.  In fact, it's already in the middle of an overhaul to become a sushi joint.

John of Mr.Tasty left this note saying goodbye and thanking his customers.

I will miss the steak sandwiches, fries, cheap beer and watching the neighbourhood drop by for a beer.

Note: Mr.Tasty on Queen St E is still open for business.

Technorati tags: toronto, restaurants, cheapeats toronto, cheapeats, mr. tasty, church street, ryerson

Closed: Café du Marche

After 30 years of wonderful pastries, luscious soups and lunches that inspire lingering, Café du Marche has closed it doors. 

Red Pen: pg. 50 of CheapEats Toronto.

Technorati tags: toronto, restaurants, cheapeats Toronto, closures, cafe du marche, st. lawrence market

73 Years Of Good Grease Comes To An End

photos & article by Mondo Lulu

The New Tivoli Restaurant has been serving comfort food at Dufferin and St. Clair since 1933. It's also been a major location for my photography ~ I've been recording the ordinary and extraordinary goings-on within its walls for the past few years.

When the announcement came that the Tiv would be closing its doors forever this Sunday Oct. 8, the neighbourhood went into mourning after the initial shock subsided. The restaurant has been a social hub of the area for decades and its closing will affect many, especially the retirees that have called it their second home for years.

In tribute, I've printed out select Tivoli memories and taped them to the walls of the restaurant. Feel free to drop by, check out the pictures and celebrate the end of a neighbourhood era.

The New Tivoli Restaurant
1160 St. Clair Avenue West At Dufferin
Thursday to Saturday 7 to 7
Sunday 7 to 3

Get Out Your Red Pen - Restaurant Closures

Okay, I've put this off long enough. We're working furiously on the next edition of cheapeats (in bookstores late FebruaryOctober ) and with that comes the need to inform you of the passing of a number of restaurants.

It happens every year, as we go through the list of restaurants from the last edition, we find we've lost 10-25% of our cheapeats to closures and price increases.  This year is no exception.

So its time to grab a red pen and your copy of cheapeats and start making big red Xs.