Union Hotel, an independent lifestyle property inspired by Toronto’s rich and diverse culture, is now open at 60 York St. Steps from historic Union Station, this 189-room hotel offers a transformative hospitality experience in the heart of Toronto’s financial district. It champions individuality, creativity, and meaningful connections.
Created for those who think differently, Union Hotel provides a welcoming space where guests are encouraged to live life unscripted and feel at home. Locally inspired touches are woven into every detail – from design and amenities to culinary offerings and the entire guest experience, Union Hotel celebrates the cultural richness of Toronto. Guests can immerse themselves in the city’s theatre, sports, shopping, and culinary scenes, all within walking distance.
“Union Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a place to connect,” said Kevin Slean, General Manager, Union Hotel. “Our mission is to inspire ambition, nurture courage, and empower our guests to defy convention while discovering the local neighbourhood gems this global city offers.”
Union Hotel’s design is a testament to the tapestry of Toronto. FRANK Architecture & Interiors’ layered, eclectic aesthetic tells the story of the city, the hotel, and all those who experience what it has to offer. The 12-story building’s façade has been updated with charcoal brick and expansive windows, to draw in guests and local passersby. Beyond the framed view of the interior is a thoughtfully created space with an approachable, warm palette and quirky, nostalgic details inspired by the past – the perfect space to continue the story.
Through art, curated programming, simple yet elevated food and beverage offerings, and an incredible independent spirit, Union Hotel invites guests to discover Toronto and chart their own paths while here.
A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Canadiana
● Canadian creators tell Union Hotel’s story: Local artists bring to life the uniqueness of the hotel’s story with works in every room and throughout the property. Emily Mae Rose’s raccoon mural pays homage to Toronto’s unofficial mascot, Victoria Day’s mural is inspired by the proximity to the historic Union Station, and Hello Kirsten’s mural is an expression of the hotel’s textile industry past.
● Nod to Toronto’s Textile History: Toronto industrial designer Gino Marocco meticulously hand-crafted each team member’s uniform, drawing inspiration from the textile-rich heritage of Union Hotel’s neighbourhood. Using durable materials like denim, canvas, and sateen, no two uniforms are exactly alike—each features subtle differences that reflect the custom nature of every piece. Emphasizing Union Hotel’s commitment to sustainability, Marocco upcycled excess fabric to create a limited-edition line of tote bags, available at the Union Hotel (UH) Marketplace near the front desk.
● Curated In-Room Experience: Four room styles: Chic, Groovy, Swanky, and the Posh Suite. Each room’s walls are adorned with original artwork from local artists inspired by Toronto, the nostalgia of the hotel’s location, and the unity of people. Details in the room were curated to reflect the Union Hotel’s commitment to creating a unique guest experience. The hotel worked with Whence, a hospitality marketplace and procurement studio, to curate and co-design thoughtful products such as Montreal-based circular design company Cyrc’s soap dishes, trays, and tissue box covers, bamboo toilet paper, amenities by woman-owned Routine Natural Beauty, a bespoke tea and third wave coffee experience with temperature controlled kettles, and alarm clocks that provide guests with soothing sleep sounds and sleep stories.
● Chart Your Own Path: Union Hotel’s meticulous attention to detail goes beyond its rooms and extends to all aspects of the property. The Split Flat Display at the front desk gives guests a travel-themed ASMR experience at check-in. The UH Marketplace in the lobby was designed to allow guests to make their own choices when it comes to small snack and drink options – from salty and sweet treats to matcha and wine, guests aren’t restricted to the pre-determined choices of an in-room mini bar. The UH Marketplace is also filled with branded merchandise and signature raccoon stuffies.
● Celebrating Canadiana: In partnership with the Giller Prize, each room at Union Hotel will have a Giller Prize-listed or winning book waiting to be read. The selection of authors includes Margaret Atwood, Joseph Boyden, Wayson Choy, Omar El Akkad, André Alexis, Shani Mootoo, and Miriam Toews. A beautiful CanLit Library filled with Giller Prize books is featured by the front desk.
● Spaces for Connection: The lobby features several distinct spaces, including Humble Donkey Café and Lounge, the communal table, and private work booths. The second floor offers “the 6ix,” a social space with outdoor courtyard access that can be rented out for private events, and a fitness centre equipped for yoga, weight training, and wellness.
● Prime Location: Steps away from Union Station, Union Hotel offers unparalleled access to Toronto’s iconic landmarks and experiences. Additionally, Toronto’s main airports are easily accessible with UP Express to Pearson and the shuttle for Billy Bishop Airport just across the street.
● Discover Neighbourhood Gems: Union Hotel focuses on connecting guests to Toronto’s best-kept secrets and neighbourhood gems. The team keeps a rolling list of what visitors and residents shouldn’t miss while in the area.
The central hub of Union Hotel is Humble Donkey, the hotel’s lobby café and lounge. The casual yet sophisticated space transitions seamlessly from morning espressos to evening espresso martinis. It’s the place for guests and residents to gather and connect, whether meeting a friend, networking, or unwinding after exploring the city. Humble Donkey’s menu is carefully curated and features the comfort foods the city loves. And, Toronto’s beloved Sam James Coffee Bar is the coffee of choice for the restaurant along with a bursting pastry selection from local bakery Breadhead.
“We’ve paid exceptional attention to the details to ensure our guests have every opportunity to explore Toronto on their own. It’s about living without a script because that is where the best experiences happen,” says Slean. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve brought to life; it reflects our team’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for both travellers and city residents. By championing boldness and individuality, Union Hotel is redefining what it means to stay and play in the heart of Toronto.”
Union Hotel is now open and reservations are available at unionhoteltoronto.com. More information can be found on the website, on Instagram @unionhotelto, or by signing up for the hotel’s newsletter, The State of the Union.
About Union Hotel:
Union Hotel is an independent lifestyle property in Toronto’s financial district, steps from Union Station. With 189 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and a vibrant café and lounge, Humble Donkey, Union Hotel celebrates individuality, creativity, and connection. The hotel’s dynamic offerings include a nod to the city’s iconic train station with a Split Flap Display behind the front desk and the UH Marketplace, featuring hyper-local retail offerings that support emerging and small businesses. By weaving local culture into every aspect of the guest experience, Union Hotel invites guests to live life unscripted.
The best night!! I have loved Pop Queen Kylie Minogue since grade school and have traveled to London even just to see her. It is so rare that she ever makes it out this way and in fact her last visit was her X Tour and we were there too!
This was the first night of the Tension Tour‘s North American leg and Toronto completely lucked out being the first stop. Minogue zipped through five acts in under two hours, bringing the crowd to their feet with a spectacular display of colour, LED, dancing and lights. The Show was visually and energy wise, a 10 out of 10! What a performer! She always has such a way making us feel intimate and close.
I will forever be a fan!
Some highlights from the Tension Tour Toronto:
Minogue heads next to Montreal.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
I adore EMMA CHAMBERLAIN. There aren’t many Vloggers I follow religiously. Emma is THE ONE. Listening to her speak about life, coffee, fashion and food always feels like hanging with an old friend.
So thrilled to see her make what is a very natural transition to acting in Diablo Cody-produced FORBIDDEN FRUITS, exploring a clique of Momfluencers as their secrets threaten to destroy their carefully-cultivated personas. Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Alexandra Shipp, and Victoria Pedretti also star.in this IFC/Shudder release.
Love everything about Emma, and also a big fan of her beverage products too, including her Chocolate Matcha. We were lucky enough to meet her last Spring in New York, she is an absolute angel and thrilled I got to chat quickly with her!
Looking forward to what she brings to the Met Gala this year!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Focus Features, Carnival Films and
Universal Pictures Canada’s Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale to be released in theatres globally on September 12, 2025
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Paul Giamatti, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, Dominic West, Penelope Wilton, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson, Paul Copley, Douglas Reith.
Directed By: Simon Curtis
Screenplay By: Downton creator and Academy-Award® winner Julian Fellowes
Produced By: Gareth Neame, Julian Fellowes, Liz Trubridge
Executive Producer: Nigel Marchant
Today, Prime Video revealed the premiere date and first look of the highly anticipated series The Better Sister, starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, with six images of the thrilling crime drama. All eight episodes of the limited series produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Tomorrow Studios (part of ITV Studios) will premiere on Thursday, May 29, 2025 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The Better Sister, based on the book by bestselling author Alafair Burke, is an 8-episode electric thriller limited series about the terrible things that drive sisters apart and ultimately bring them back together. Chloe (Jessica Biel), a high-profile media executive, lives a picturesque life with her handsome lawyer husband Adam (Corey Stoll) and teenage son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan) by her side while her estranged sister Nicky (Elizabeth Banks) struggles to make ends meet and stay clean. When Adam is brutally murdered, the prime suspect sends shockwaves through the family, reuniting the two sisters, as they try to untangle a complicated family history to discover the truth behind his death.
The series stars Jessica Biel as “Chloe Taylor,” Elizabeth Banks as “Nicky Macintosh,” Corey Stoll as “Adam Macintosh,” Kim Dickens as “Detective Nancy Guidry,” Maxwell Acee Donovan as “Ethan Macintosh,’ Bobby Naderi as “Detective Matt Bowen,” Gabriel Sloyer as “Jake Rodriguez,” Gloria Reuben as “Michelle Sanders,” with Matthew Modine as “Bill Braddock,” and Lorraine Toussaint as “Catherine Lancaster.”
Olivia Milch (Ocean’s 8) and Regina Corrado (Mayor of Kingstown) are executive producers and showrunners. Series director Craig Gillespie (Pam & Tommy) and Annie Marter are executive producers through Fortunate Jack Productions alongside executive producers Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, and Alissa Bachner through Tomorrow Studios (One Piece), Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Purple, and Kerry Orent. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Tomorrow Studios (part of ITV Studios).
A WORKING MAN starring Jason Statham debuts atop the Box Office with $15.4 million from 3,262 theatres for Warner Bros./Amazon/MGM Studios, de-throning SNOW WHITE. It gets 53% on the Tomatometer.
Disney’s SNOW WHITE settles for second with $13.7 million from 4,200 theatres, taking it to $66 million in its second week out.
THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER (the first of three installments) debuts in third with $12 million from 2,234 theatres for Fathom Events.
Fourth goes to a debuting THE WOMAN IN THE YARD with $3.6 million from 2,842 theatres for Universal Pictures/Blumhouse. The Horror starring Danielle Deadwyler gets 50% on the Tomatometer.
DEATH OF A UNICORN starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, debuts in fifth with $2.2 million from A24. It gets 55% on the Tomatometer.
By Mr. Will Wong
After a complete Box Office domination in its theatrical run, DOG MAN can finally be brought home on DVD and Blu-ray April 1, 2025 via Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. This Graphic Novel film of Dave Pilkey‘s literary sensation, voiced, written and directed by Peter Hastings, is full of heart, capturing that magic fans love so much about the source material!
The Film centers on a police officer and dog get injured and somehow fused together. Left with no choice but to embrace their new identity, DOG MAN seeks the approval of Chief (Lil Rel Howery) and must stop Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson) from multiplying his evil powers by cloning himself. What happens though is that DOG MAN forms an unexpected bond with the kitten Lil Petey, only find himself on a mission to save the cat from the clutch of an enemy.
DOG MAN is the type of film that speaks to its younger audience, but at the same time manages to draw its older audience with its frenetic pacing and heartwarming message. The Film will have you feeling young and full of wonder again. What a brilliant Ensemble of Voice Talent we get here in the lead roles, but also rounding out the Ensemble, including Ricky Gervais, Isla Fisher, Cheri Oteri, Melissa Villaseñor, Poppy Liu, and more. The accolades are all warranted!
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN YOU PURCHASE AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
• DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES WITH INTRODUCTIONS BY SCREENWRITER/DIRECTOR PETER HASTINGS
o Sewer Ball Chase
o Petey Robs Bank of Jim
o Li’l Petey Adoption People
o Petey Puppet Time
o Dog Man Chopper Hang Glider
o Revenge of the Bank of Jim
o Butler Business
o Flippy in Jail Epilogue
• MEET THE PACK: Go behind the scenes of the DOG MAN recording sessions as we meet the actors who brought the characters to life and watch them perform some of their silliest lines!
• THE MAKING OF DOG MAN: A SARAH HATOFF EXCLUSIVE: Ace reporter Sarah Hatoff delivers a special report on the making of DOG MAN! Learn about the story, characters, and comic book animation behind Dog Man’s big screen debut!
• HOWL TO DRAW FLIP-O-RAMA STYLE: Join head of story Anthony Zierhut as he teaches how to draw Dog Man, Petey, and Li’l Petey, then learn how to transform your drawings into a Flip-O-Rama!
o Dog Man
o Petey
o Li’l Petey
o Flip-O-Rama
• HOWL TO MAKE DOUGHNUTS FOR DOGS: Police officers and dogs both love one thing…doughnuts! We’ll show you how to make your own Fido-friendly doughnuts for your canine best friend.
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH SCREENWRITER/DIRECTOR PETER HASTINGS
TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™:
Street Date: April 1, 2025
UPC Number: 191329275504 / 191329275313 (CDN)
Layers: BD 50
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG For some action and crude humor
Languages/Subtitles: English, French Canadian, Latin American Spanish
Sound: English (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1), Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1)
Run Time: 01:29:08
TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:
Street Date: April 1, 2025
UPC Number: 191329275436 / 191329275511 (CDN)
Layers: DVD 9
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Widescreen Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: PG For some action and crude humor
Languages/Subtitles: English, French Canadian, Latin American Spanish
Sound: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 for feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital 5.1), Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Run Time: 01:29:08
Casey House’s David’s Disco is a fundraising event in Toronto dedicated to providing compassionate, stigma-free care for individuals living with and at risk of HIV. The fundraising event will occur tonight, March 28, 2025, at The Concert Hall in Toronto, with George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, the founders behind Toronto-based global creative design studio Yabu Pushelberg, Sir Elton John, and David Furnish serving as honorary co-chairs.
Leading up to the event, Casey House has launched an online auction, live HERE, featuring unique items and experiences donated by leaders within art, design, and fashion. Options up for sale include iconic designs from Yabu Pushelberg like a Ligne Roset Pukka Chair and Rowan Lounge Chair, luxury experiences like an NYC Getaway at the Edition Hotel or a retreat in the Kilfinan Suite at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s The Scotsman Hotel, and collectibles including signed books by Chef Andy Baraghani and Kelly Wearstler, photography by Christopher Sherman and Ryan McGinley, as well as artwork by Blaise Hayward. To date, the cause has raised over $500K, with more to come!
As internationally celebrated designers, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg remain deeply connected to their Canadian roots. Though their work spans the globe, their Toronto upbringing continues to shape their values, fueling a deep commitment to giving back to their hometown and local community. George and Glenn’s studio has long championed impactful causes, supporting organizations such as The 519, Design Exchange, Rainbow Railroad, and the World AIDS Day Ball, Canadian NGOs focused on LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. Their involvement with David’s Disco is a reflection of this ethos—leveraging their influence and global network to support Casey House, Canada’s only stand-alone hospital for people living with and at risk of HIV. The event promises to be a global moment of giving driven by design, community, and purpose.
About Casey House
Casey House is unlike any other hospital. Casey House is a specialty hospital in Toronto providing ground-breaking care to people living with and at risk of HIV. Despite medications that help manage the disease, HIV continues to be a serious health threat. While there is treatment, there is no cure and people living with HIV have a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurological illness. Healthcare can prevent, detect and manage these illnesses.
Each year, Casey House Foundation raises over $4 million, including over $1 million raised at events. This year David’s Disco is aiming to fund an Electronic Medical Record System that is urgently needed and requires a $1.2 million investment.
Casey House achieved accreditation by Accreditation Canada in June of 2024. In 2023, Casey House Foundation was the first Canadian charity to receive a 5-star rating, based on their review of impact, strategy, governance and finances from The Veritas Foundation. This independent analysis included a calculation of a $3.34 return on investment on every dollar granted compared with an average return rate of $2.25 for Canadian charities. Casey House was chosen in 2021 as one of the top 10 healthcare charities in Canada by Maclean’s. Casey House was also ranked as a 5 out of 5-star charity by Charity Intelligence in 2021, based on the effective and efficient use of dollars as well as the accountability of our operations.
On Friday, April 18,025 Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) will launch a major initiative celebrating the phenomenon of Paramount Pictures’ thrilling MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise, ahead of the Memorial Day Weekend 2025 release of the eighth film in the series, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—The Final Reckoning. The exhibition will spotlight star and producer Tom Cruise’s exceptional commitment to practical stunt work, and explore how the series combines technical ingenuity, personal discipline, and artistic commitment, all in service of storytelling, character development, and performance.
The MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE experience at MoMI will be anchored by MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—Story and Spectacle, an exhibition that immerses visitors in the breathtaking stunts and key dramatic moments of the series, pulling back the curtain to allow insight into story and character development and the planning and execution of action sequences. The exhibition and related programs will provide a focal point for fans of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise, both those in New York and worldwide through virtual and/or livestreamed events.
Sections of the exhibition will be devoted to each film in the series, with a focus on that film’s key stunt or action sequence, along with unique behind-the-scenes content that offers insight on how the remarkable stunts were prepared for and filmed, complemented by related production artifacts.
“For almost 30 years, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE films have thrilled audiences with suspenseful stories and unparalleled practical stunts,” said Barbara Miller, Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs. “MoMI is excited to partner with Paramount Pictures on this major exhibition to explore the series’ unique achievements and create a fun, illuminating experience for fans and visitors.”
Access to MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—Story and Spectacle will be included with general Museum admission tickets during its run.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—Story and Spectacle and related programs are supported by a Market New York grant from Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.
About Museum of the Moving Image
Founded in 1985, MoMI celebrates the history, art, technology, and future of the moving image in all of its forms. Located in Astoria, New York, the Museum presents exhibitions; screenings; discussion programs featuring actors, directors, and creative leaders; and education programs. It houses the nation’s most comprehensive collection of moving image artifacts and screens over 500 films annually. Its exhibitions—including the core exhibition Behind the Screen and The Jim Henson Exhibition—are noted for their integration of material objects, interactive experiences, and audiovisual presentations. For more information about MoMI, visit movingimage.org.
As Toronto blossoms, food lovers can look forward to unforgettable culinary moments that perfectly capture the essence of spring.
MINAMI
IG. @minamitoronto
225 King St. W
Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate spring with an exclusive Ikebana class and lunch on April 5 and May 10 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Each event features a guided Ikebana workshop led by renowned floral artist Aya Sugino, followed by Minami’s meticulously curated Lunch Gozen Set and a feature cocktail crafted with Valley of Mother of God’s award-winning Canadian dry gin. Tickets are priced at $150 (plus taxes and gratuity) and can be purchased HERE.
The Experience Includes:
•Ikebana Workshop – A guided floral arrangement session with all materials provided, including instruction, vase, and floral décor.
•Minami’s Signature Lunch Gozen Set – Featuring a premium sushi selection and a choice of main protein.
•Feature Cocktail – A handcrafted cocktail featuring Valley of Mother of God’s award-winning Canadian dry gin.
Gozen Lunch Menu:
•Choice of ONE main protein
•Chicken Nanban, Beef Sukiyaki, Aburi Chicken, Atlantic Salmon, Vegetarian option available
•Choice of Sushi selection
Aburi Salmon Oshi (2pc), Aburi Chutoro Nigiri (1pc), Aburi Aka Ebi Nigiri (1pc), Aburi Madai Nigiri (1pc)
•Choice of Side (select one)
Miso soup, Broccolini goma-ae,Salmon Tatsuta-age, Agedashi tofu, Three seasonal kobachi side dishes
•Dessert
Coconut panna cotta
These events blend the art of Japanese floral arrangement with an exquisite culinary experience, offering guests a unique way to welcome the season. Seating is limited, secure your spot today and purchase tickets HERE.
MIKU
IG. @mikutoronto
10 Bay St.
Miku Toronto welcomes the arrival of cherry blossom season with a limited-time Sakura Kaiseki Tasting Menu, available exclusively from April 1 to 30 during dinner service. Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Junnosuke Fujikawa and featuring a show-stopping dessert by Pastry Chef Glenda San Jose, this elegant seven-course menu captures the beauty of spring through refined Japanese techniques and premium seasonal ingredients. Priced at $175 per person, the multi-course dining experience offers a harmonious journey through delicate textures, bold flavours, and artful presentations, showcasing the best of Miku’s signature Aburi-style cuisine with springtime flair. Reserve your table HERE.
Cherry Blossom Menu Includes:
•Amuse: Wagyu Tartare Monaka with Canadian Acadian Caviar and Gold Flake
•Sashimi: Chef’s selection of traditional & Aburi-style sashimi
•Appetizer Selection: Smoked Hotaru Ika, Clam Dashimaki, Sous Vide Quebec Duck
•Fish: Sakura Dai with Sakura Ebi Surinagashi & Shiso Tempura
•Sushi: A curated selection including Foie Gras Oshi and Aged Sawara Nigiri
•Beef: A5 Awaji Wagyu Sukiyaki Style with Sakura Salt & Kinome Miso
•Dessert: Sakura Bavarois with Matcha Chocolate Ganache & Coconut Ice Cream
This is a limited-time experience, available only during the month of April. Reserve your table HERE to celebrate the season with this unforgettable cherry blossom dining experience.
ABURI TORA
IG. @aburitoratoronto
3401 Dufferin St. (Yorkdale Shopping Centre)
Aburi TORA at Yorkdale welcomes spring early in North York, with a cherry blossom-themed menu created in collaboration with MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa and TORA’s Head Chef Young Son. Available for a limited time from March 4 to May 31, the menu highlights five new dishes crafted with fresh, premium ingredients like Hokkaido scallops, Sakura shrimp, and cherry sea bream. Inspired by the beauty of Cherry Blossom season, this special offering blends seasonal flavours with Japanese culinary traditions, showcasing TORA’s signature Aburi-style sushi alongside elevated spring-inspired ingredients. Guests are invited to indulge in this exclusive dining experience, available for dine-in only. Visitors are encouraged to check Aburi TORA’s website for the latest restaurant hours before planning their visit.
The Aburi TORA Sakura Menu includes:
•Sakura Dai Carpaccio ($18) – Cherry Sea Bream, Strawberry Radish, Yellow Beet, Green Onion, Benitate, Amazu Sauce
•Sakura Dai Kobujime ($4.50) – Konbu-cured Cherry Sea Bream, Japanese Plum Sauce, Seaweed Chip
•Aburi Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri ($9) – Aburi-style Flame-seared Hokkaido Scallop, Sakura Shrimp, Avocado Saikyo-miso Sauce
•Sakura Mochi ($6.50) – Red Bean Paste, Cherry Rice Mochi, Pickled Cherry Blossom Leaf
•Sakura Cola ($4)
Don’t miss the chance to experience this limited-time Cherry Blossom menu at Aburi TORA, where tradition meets innovation in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Aburi-style sushi or discovering it for the first time, this seasonal offering promises an unforgettable dining experience. Visit Aburi TORA at Yorkdale to celebrate the beauty of spring through this special menu.
ABURI SUSHI
IG. @aburisushi.toronto
50 Brant St.
Aburi Sushi at Waterworks Food Hall in Toronto is launching a refreshed lunch menu on April 1, 2025, featuring premium Oshi sushi, sushi bowls, and curated lunch sets. Additionally, Aburi Sushi will host an exclusive one-night dining event featuring MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa of Aburi Hana on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with seatings at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Guests will experience an 8-course tasting menu for $120 (plus taxes and gratuity), showcasing Chef Nakagawa’s refined Kyō-Kaiseki culinary artistry and premium ingredients such as Nova Scotia Lobster and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Reservations can be made HERE.
New Waterworks Lunch Menu:
Oshi Sushi (Pressed Sushi, 6 pieces each) | $22 each
•Salmon Oshi, Ebi Oshi
•Saba Oshi
•Spicy Salmon Oshi
•Spicy Tuna Oshi
•Hamachi Oshi
Bowls (served with Miso Soup & Tsukemono pickles)
•Salmon Avocado Bowl | $19.50
•Unagi Bowl | $19.50
•Kaisen Chirashi Bowl (Premium Seafood Selection) | $29
•Seafood Poke Bowl | $17.50
•Tofu Poke Bowl (Vegetarian) | $17
Garden Select (Vegetarian-friendly Sets served with Miso Soup)
•Traditional Sushi Selection (6pc Nigiri, Negitoro Maki) | $29
•Garden Roll Set (5pc Garden Roll, 2pc Inari, 2pc Veg Nigiri) | $16
•Aburi Set (3pc Aburi Nigiri, 4pc Aburi Oshi) | $27
•Sashimi Lunch Set (8pc Sashimi with Rice) | $29
Temaki Handroll Sets (served with Miso Soup)
•Waterworks Lunch Temaki Set (4pc: Spicy Tuna, Salmon Oshi, Chopped Scallop, Negitoro) | $26.50
•Aburi Lunch Temaki Set (5pc: Real California, Spicy Salmon Oshi, Spicy Tuna Oshi, Negitoro, Salmon Avocado) | $31.50
Appetizers
•Salmon Crudo | $16
•Hamachi Crudo | $18
•Edamame | $4.50
•Miso Soup | $3.80
•Gomaae (Sesame Spinach Salad) | $6
•Hosomaki also available.
Chef Nakagawa’s 8-Course Menu:
•Maguro Monaka: Chef Ryusuke Nagakawa’s signature dish, a delicate wafer filled with Bluefin Tuna
•Hamachi Nanbanzuke: Marinated Yellowtail with Komochi Kombu Ohitashi
•Chopped Scallop Temaki: Fresh scallop handroll wrapped in crisp nori
•Cherry Clam Shinjo / Hotaru Ika Owan: Cherry clam fish cake and firefly squid soup
•Salmon Oshi Temaki: Pressed salmon sushi handroll with signature sauce
•Maguro Flower: Signature aged Bluefin Tuna rose (akami and chutoro)
•Real California Temaki: Fresh crab, avocado, and cucumber handroll
•Wagyu Roasted Beef: Seared Japanese A5 Wagyu with rich umami flavour
Whether you’re looking for an elevated lunch experience or an exclusive culinary evening with a MICHELIN-starred chef, Aburi Sushi at Waterworks Food Hall offers unforgettable ways to celebrate the flavours of spring.
ABURI HANA
IG. @hanayorkville
102 Yorkville Avenue
Aburi Hana, Yorkville’s MICHELIN-starred Kyō-Kaiseki restaurant, celebrates spring with a new seasonal tasting menu by Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa. Blending centuries-old Kyoto traditions with a modern sensibility, the multi-course experience showcases the season’s finest ingredients, transformed into a refined progression of delicate flavours and elegant presentations. Reservations for the spring menu are now available HERE, with reservations for May and June opening on April 15 at 4:00 PM EST.
Inspired by the principle of kodawari—a deep dedication to craft and quality. Chef Nakagawa draws from his rich culinary journey and presents a menu rooted in tradition yet elevated with contemporary flair. Each course reflects his signature artistry, offering an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience that captures the fleeting beauty of spring.
Menu:
•Owan | Hamaguri Wakame – A light, aromatic opening course that awakens the palate.
•Maguro Flower – This is chef Ryusuke Nagakawa’s signature dish, a striking presentation of bluefin tuna, elegantly shaped into a delicate floral arrangement.
•Unagi Takesumi – Grilled freshwater eel, capturing the essence of fire and earth.
•Wagyu Hagobo – A deeply savoury dish featuring premium wagyu, slow-cooked to perfection.
•Grand Dessert – A seasonal finale, complemented by a delicate Petit Four featuring Haru Cabbage Choux and Ichigo Milk Bonbon.
For guests dining in the private dining rooms, select courses will be seamlessly combined to enhance the flow of the experience:
Sakizuke | Take no Ko I-dako and Course Shinogi | O’toro & Caviar Sushi Monaka.
Hassun | Kamo Foie Gras and Sunomono | Lobster Komochi Kombu.
Aburi Hana’s spring Kaiseki menu is available for a limited time during the restaurant’s opening times. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Reserve your spot to try the spring menu HERE.
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