The Month That Was: the Toronto restaurants and bars that opened and closed in September

Openings

• Momofuku–Star chef David Chang finally lifted the curtain on his hotly anticipated collection of restaurants (though getting in doesn’t seem to be very easy). With all four now open, diners can start with drinks at Nikai, then wander from Shōtō’s 10-course tasting menu to Daishō’s $600 ribeye, or just grab a bowl of ramen downstairs at the Noodle Bar (actually, trying to eat at all four in one night is sure to lead to failure). Read our Introducing post »
• Tallboys Craft Beer House–Bloorcourt gets its own craft beer oasis with a selection of tall cans that live up to the name. Read our Introducing post »
• Hapa Izakaya–The latest in the Vancouver izakaya invasion traffics in (appropriately) West C0ast fare, including sockeye salmon, Haida Gwaii halibut and spot prawns. Read our Introducing post »

• Dr. Augusta’s Samitorium–This gourmet sandwich shop on the fringes of Kensington Market brings in bread from Blackbird Baking Co. and has recruited Sanagan’s Meat Locker for its meat and poultry. But the sodas, served from a vintage soda fountain, are all made in house.  Read our Introducing Post »
• An Sibín Pub–Guinness replaces Red Stripe at The Real Jerk’s former space, following a pitched real estate battle. [Toronto Star]
• Hula Girl Espresso Truck–The Dundas West coffee shop goes mobile. [Post City]
• 25 Liberty–Moving into the Liberty Bistro’s former space (and keeping half the name), 25 Liberty adds its take on Mediterranean and French cuisine to the area’s restaurant scene. [Post City]
• Sansotei Ramen–With an opening as humble as Momofuku’s was hyped, chef Michael Zhang’s ramen spot is a product of his eight years at the Yamato Ramen School in Japan. [Post City]
• Seven Lives–Agave Y Aguacate is gone, but chef Sean Riehl, who grew up in San Diego near the Mexican border, took over the spot with his own brand of Mexican food. [Post City]
• Gangster Burger–The Prohibition-era-gangster-themed burger joint was opened on a lark by two friends—and then Drake showed up. [Post City]
• Mad Italian–The purveyor of gelato and pizza cones sets up shop on the Danforth. [Toronto Star]
• Strada–Whoever said that ethnic neighbourhood boundaries were set in stone? The Rubino brothers open up an Italian spot in Chinatown. [Toronto Star]
• C House Lounge Cafe–The Italian chain picked Yorkville for its first outpost in Canada. The self-described “high-style coffee house” offers pastas (and nightclub-chic decor) in addition to the usual café fare. [Facebook]
• Hey!–With this half-sister of College Street’s Hey Meatball, Rod Bowers tosses his hat into Roncey’s turbulent restaurant scene, offering full service and, having dropped the “Meatball,” a broader menu. [BlogTO]
• Agra Fine Indian Cuisine–After nearly a decade in North York, Agra opened a second location for downtown Indian aficionados at 365 King Street West, just off Blue Jays Way.
• Landmark Oriental Kitchen and Bar—The latest pan-Asian restaurant to grace the resto-heavy strip of Bayview Avenue south of Eglinton. [Landmark]
• Doppio Zero—A new Neapolitan pizza joint opens on Eglinton, named after the “00” flour used to make the crust. [Chowhound]
• Taco Del Mar—This Seattle-based chain, offering burritos in the style of San Francisco’s Mission district, opens its first Toronto location near the Convention Centre. [Chowhound]
• Triple A Bar–There are as many taps as menu items, but that’s by design; Triple A, at Adelaide and Jarvis, is a neighborhood bar first and barbecue joint second. But if the brisket or half rack of ribs makes you forget that, a shot of Joe Cuervo, always $3, will probably serve as a reminder. [Post City]

Closings

• Goody’s—The cult Scarborough burger joint closed its doors in early September after being unable to cope with high operating costs. [Facebook]
• Cupcakery–The “For Rent” sign and disabled phone number don’t bode well for this St. Clair sweets shop.
• Reggie’s Old Fashioned Sandwiches–The owners of the King West late–night staple closed down to make room for the expansion of their neighbouring cocktail bar, 2Cats. [The Grid]
• Ambassador Chinese Cuisine–Joanne Kates’s “absolute number one favourite Chinese restaurant” closed its doors after nearly a decade. [Post City]
• Hot Box Cafe–Recreational customers lost their beloved Kensington den when the building was sold, to be replaced by a new location of Jimmy’s Coffee. Expect a new location for Hot Box in the coming months. [Toronto Star]
• Burbs Bistro–The aptly named city-dining-in-the-’burbs concept will be closing its doors after being priced out of its space. But distraught Pickering foodies should take heart: chef Kevin Brown is opening up another restaurant in October.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.