The County General is expanding to both Riverdale and Bloorcourt

Last week, we reported that Victor Barry and Carlo Catallo, the power-duo behind Harbord restaurant Splendido and its casual Queen West sister restaurant, The County General, were splitting up. Catallo, we learned, was getting sole custody of The County, and had big plans for expansion. And he wasn’t just stargazing. In fact, Catallo has properties lined up to house two future spin-offs of the Southern-style diner, both slated to open in 2014 and both launching in partnership with former Canoe sous-chef (and new head of culinary ops) Danai Hongwanishkul. The first new outpost is a snacky cocktail bar at Queen and Boulton, a strip of South Riverdale that finally seems to be getting some civilized adult entertainment venues (nearby snacky cocktail bar Hi-Lo, for instance). The second spin-off, opening later in the year, will occupy the former Beirut Palace space at Bloor and Dovercourt. Details on both places are currently scarce. If the original restaurant is an indication, diners can expect steep cocktails, divinely trashy bar snacks, and lots and lots of pork. [BlogTO]
The burger was once my favourite in the city. Whether it was Garth Legree’s departure to Little Anthony’s, or some other change in the recipe or execution, I no longer have occasion to go. The once juicy, balanced, tidy burger, is now a mess of dijon and aioli, and medium rare comes medium.
The summer tomato sandwich is still superb and the staff are incredibly attentive and knowledgeable.
I wish them well in the new expansion and hope the previous burger is revived.