[Bayer]

and I hear you have to book like a month or 2 in advance...

Yes. A few years ago, they had a different system where reservations were made available at midnight, and you had to be quick. After a couple of failed attempts I thought, what am I doing? And I moved on to other places where reservations were less demeaning!

 

[evandyk]

Alo is obviously a unique case, being generally regarded as one of Toronto's best restaurants, but I do think that a penalty for canceling a reservation without adequate notice (which could even be like 8 hours) is pretty reasonable.

 

[gabe]

Kitchener restaurant asking for deposits to reserve a table after rising number of no-shows

There is growing frustration from restaurants in Kitchener-Waterloo when it comes to customers not showing up for their reservations.

kitchener.ctvnews.ca

What's people's opinion on this?

Good idea. I remember years ago some of New York City's top restaurants doing this. You needed a credit card for reservations and they charged a fee if you don't show up.

 

[Bayer]

Alo is obviously a unique case, being generally regarded as one of Toronto's best restaurants, but I do think that a penalty for canceling a reservation without adequate notice (which could even be like 8 hours) is pretty reasonable.

Not that unique as several Toronto restaurants on the same platform also ask for non-refundable deposits of varying amounts. Alo compares this to buying theatre or concert tickets. It's not a bad idea.

 

[evandyk]

Alo can dictate to their customers because they have a lot more of them than they have reservations available, which a lot of restaurants can't do. But I still think it's a good idea.

 

[AlbertC]

Some recent restaurant openings across the city:

5 delicious new restaurants to try in Toronto this week

From new eateries and exciting new dishes at trendy, casual concepts, these are the must-try restaurants in the city this week.

streetsoftoronto.com

 

[AlbertC]

Freehouse Collective (formerly known as the Donnelly Group) have filed for creditor protection. Their portfolio of Toronto bars include: Death and Taxes, Belfast Love, and Walrus Pub and Beer Hall

Owner of three popular Toronto bars, including Death and Taxes, files for creditor protection | News

The Vancouver-based group that owns three popular downtown Toronto bars applied for creditor protection this week citing pandemic struggles.

dailyhive.com

 

[mike0001]

Somtum Jinda Thai restaurant opening at 76 Gerrard St E (just East of Church)

 

[emphurent]

This parcel along with the rest of the laneway is being turned into a new pedestrian passage and patio space, which they are calling "the Alleyway", which seems to involve a couple of the properties.

I haven't been by, but this screencap from here shows the brick walls in the render below are completed.

Deeper into the laneway:

 

[AlbertC]

Coverage on the new Alobar Downtown at 150 York Street:

What's on the menu at Alobar’s new Financial District location

Including a bonkers twice-baked potato

torontolife.com

 

[evandyk]

I will try it out when I find someone with an expense account to pay

 

[Towered]

Dave's Hot Chicken is now open at Yonge and Gould.

 

[Northern Light]

Dave's Hot Chicken is now open at Yonge and Gould.

Finally, somewhere a lawyer from the St. Lawrence area can afford!

****

In all seriousness, I've been curious to try this place but it always seemed out of the way, this is a more convenient spot.

 

[Towered]

Finally, somewhere a lawyer from the St. Lawrence area can afford!

****

In all seriousness, I've been curious to try this place but it always seemed out of the way, this is a more convenient spot.

I tried the Parkdale location once - it was actually pretty good.

 

[Northern Light]

I tried the Parkdale location once - it was actually pretty good.

It was pretty good; but not good enough for a return visit?

Also, what heat level did you get and how did you find that?