Pisco, Lawrence Park's New Peruvian Restaurant

Photo from BlogTO

Pisco, a grape brandy produced in Chile and Peru, is a fitting name for this Lawrence Park restaurant. Peruvian cuisine is not new to the city but Pisco is the first of its kind to open in the tony north Toronto neighbourhood. While the restaurant doesn't yet appear to have a website, online reviews have been raving about authentic Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado (beef stew on rice). They also fittingly serve a traditional Pisco Sour.

Mill Street Brewery to make Distillery District's first spirit in 70 years

Photo from BlogTO

After expanding its Brew Pub into a Brew Hall, the Distillery District's favourite brewery-cum-pub, Mill Street, will be distilling bierschnaps on its premises, marking the first time in 70 years that distilling spirits will take place in the eponymous district.

Brewmaster Joel Manning spoke to BlogTO about the product, explaining that bierschnaps is "a spirit that is classically made in Germany by distilling beer into a clear, colourless spirit and adding a small amount of cane sugar." Known for brewing dependable, tasty craft beers, it can only be expected that Mill Street's new spirit will not disappoint.

RPatz spotted on set by Leslieville's Enoteca Ascari

Photo from Mapstothestarsfilm.com

In Toronto this summer shooting David Cronenberg's new film Maps to the Stars, Robert Pattinson and co-star Mia Wasikowska were spotted sauntering past Leslieville's Enoteca Ascari at Queen East and Caroline. This racecar-themed Italian restaurant is named in honour of 1950s racing legend Alberto Ascari and serves simple, delicious fare alongside superb bottles of vino. Try the Stracci with braised lamb, marsala and blackcurrants or the Tajarin with porcini cream, hazelnuts and gorgonzola. You never know who may be sat beside you after a long day on set...

The One That Got Away: New location in Bloor West Village

Photo by Carolyn Grisold

King Street West's kitchy-named The One That Got Away World Famous Fish House has opened a second location in Bloor West Village, bringing their sought-after fish sandwiches, wraps and fish 'n' chips to a neighbourhood in need of oceanic fare. Check out their new digs one block west of Jane station.

Victory Café at risk from Honest Ed's sale

Photo from Victorycafe.ca

The surprise decision to sell off Toronto landmark and budget shopper paradise Honest Ed's has left Markham Street shops wondering if they're next. Although it is possible that some, if not all, of the businesses in Mirvish Village that are also owned by the company would continue to be rented by the next landlord, it's hard not to worry. Victory Café has been serving craft beer and comfort food in the neighbourhood for over 15 years, and although not as old as Honest Ed's which first opened in 1948, it would be a shame to see it replaced with yet another condo tower or Wal-Mart.

Big Crow: Rose and Son's new backyard BBQ

Photo by Carolyn Grisold

There's no sign out front to let you know this new BBQ joint has opened in back of Rose and Sons on Dupont at Davenport, but its luring smell wafting through the Annex is a sure-tell sign. Head down the narrow alleyway beside ex-Drake chef Anthony Rose's upscale diner and expect to find rows of wooden picnic tables, a gazebo-style canopy roof and one massive BBQ party. The casual outdoor restaurant is inspired by "Algonquin Park, canoe trips, cooking over an open fire and swimming in the big lakes of Ontario." Reservations are recommended, especially while the buzz is hot on this new meat mecca, and credit cards are not accepted.