#FOOD: PRIDE WEEKEND THEMED MENUS AT MINAMI, ODD DUCK

As Pride Weekend kicks off in Toronto, bars and restaurants across the city are launching special events, fundraisers, and community initiatives in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations. From Minami’s Pride-themed mascot to Odd Duck’s ongoing pay-it-forward program, businesses are finding different ways to mark the occasion.

Odd Duck
IG. @oddduckwandp
📍93 Ontario St S

In the spirit of Pride Weekend, Odd Duck is launching a pay‑it‑forward initiative in partnership with Land Back Camp, aiming to extend support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities well beyond June. Guests can now add a donation at checkout to benefit the Indigiqueer and Two-Spirit-led community space, building on the restaurant’s previous campaigns, including its recent support for the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. Set to run for three months, the initiative turns a visit to Odd Duck into a simple, ongoing way to back queer and Indigenous‑led community work and reflects Odd Duck’s continued support for the communities that shape them.

Minami Toronto
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

From June 22 to 30, Minami Toronto is celebrating Pride Weekend with an exclusive giveaway featuring their Pride mascot, Ponzu the Penguin. Guests can snap a photo with Ponzu and share it on Instagram (stories or in-feed) while tagging @minamitoronto to be automatically entered for a chance to win a dinner for two at the restaurant.
Alongside the giveaway, Minami Toronto will also make a donation to CANFAR (The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research), supporting their ongoing work in research, education, advocacy, and community care. The initiative blends celebration with meaningful impact, offering guests a fun way to engage with Pride while contributing to an important cause.

Minami Giveaway Details

• June 22–30, 2026 (giveaway closes at 5pm June 30)
• Take a photo with Ponzu the Penguin and tag @minamitoronto (stories and in-feed content both applicable)
• Instagram account must be public at the time of entry and winner notification
• Winner will be contacted via Instagram DM
• Prize: Dinner for two at Minami Toronto
• No cash value. Non-transferable.
  *This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

#FOOD: “MOTHER OF ALL TALKS” JUNE 2026 FEATURING HEMANT BHAGWANI, SAMRA ZAFAR, JON RENNIE AND DYLAN MOSCOVITCH

On Tuesday, June 2 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., an intimate evening of conversation, cocktails, and community will unfold at Naari in Toronto’s Little Italy. The latest edition of Mother of All Talks  — a free-to-attend keynote speaker series presented by Valley of Mother of God Gin— explores the theme of “Reinvention.” The evening’s speaker lineup includes Hemant Bhagwani, restaurateur and founder; Dr. Samra Zafar, bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for equity; Jon Rennie, chef and co-owner of MICHELIN-recognized Odd Duck; and Olympian and broadcaster Dylan Moscovitch. 

Guests can RSVP via Eventbrite HERE.

Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary cocktail featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin alongside light bites from Naari. Additional cocktails and beverages available via cash bar at regular venue pricing. Following the talks, attendees are invited to continue the experience over a communal four-course prix fixe dinner alongside the speakers at a special all-inclusive price of $60 exclusive of tax and gratuity per person. Dinner guests will also receive a complimentary glass of sparkling. Beyond the complimentary sparkling welcome pour, Naari’s specialty cocktail and beverage menu will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Capacity for dinner is limited to 20 guests.

Reservations for the dinner experience must be made separately via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE.

Created as a platform for honest, thought-provoking conversations, Mother of All Talks brings together influential voices across hospitality, business, wellness, sports, and culture to share stories rooted in personal growth, transformation, and lived experience. Each edition is centred around a monthly theme, pairing meaningful dialogue with a social dining atmosphere designed to encourage openness, connection, and conversation long after the talks conclude

This month’s speakers will explore the many forms reinvention can take, from rebuilding identity and redefining success to evolving creatively and professionally.

Hemant Bhagwani is a Toronto restaurateur and hospitality entrepreneur known for building some of the city’s most recognizable dining concepts. As the founder behind venues including Naari, Bhagwani has built a reputation for creating restaurants that blend culture, storytelling, and experience. His perspective on reinvention is deeply tied to entrepreneurship, hospitality, and continuously evolving the way people gather around food.

Dr. Samra Zafar is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and educator whose story of resilience and transformation has inspired audiences around the world. Through her advocacy, writing, and public speaking, Zafar shares powerful insights on overcoming adversity, reclaiming identity, and redefining one’s future on their own terms.

Jon Rennie is the chef and co-owner behind MICHELIN-recognized Odd Duck in Kitchener, a restaurant celebrated for its ingredient-driven approach and deep relationships with local farms and producers. Known for his thoughtful, ever-evolving culinary perspective, Rennie approaches reinvention through creativity, seasonality, and a commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary Canadian dining.

Dylan Moscovitch is a retired Olympic medalist, speaker, and creator of Threshold™ — a framework centred around navigating life’s defining moments of transformation. After an 18-year international figure skating career, Moscovitch experienced a profound personal shift that challenged him to rebuild his identity and sense of purpose beyond sport, an experience that became the foundation of his work today. Known for his grounded perspective, honesty, and humour, he now supports individuals and organizations through transition while encouraging people to move through change with clarity and intention.

Event Details:
Where: Naari (501 College St, Toronto)
When: Tuesday, June 2 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend | Includes speaker series access, welcome cocktail, and light bites (RSVP on Eventbrite HERE)
Optional: $60 communal prix fixe dinner with speakers + complimentary sparkling (book via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE)
Capacity: Limited to 50 guests

Space is limited. RSVP via Eventbrite HERE and purchase dinner tickets via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE.

About Naari
Located in Toronto’s Little Italy, Naari is a modern Indian restaurant rooted in bold flavours, live-fire cooking, and elevated hospitality. Led by restaurateur Hemant Bhagwani, Naari blends regional Indian influences with contemporary culinary techniques to create a vibrant, immersive dining experience centred around food, beverage, culture, and community.

About Valley of Mother of God Gin
Valley of Mother of God Gin is a Canadian premium gin brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and community. Known for its contemporary approach to hospitality and culture-driven collaborations, the brand partners with leading chefs, bartenders, and creatives to create memorable experiences that bring people together through food, beverage, and conversation.

#FOOD: PATIO SEASON 2026 ROUND-UP: MINAMI, TONDOU RAMEN, FAVORITES THAI, LYLA, TABERNA LX, BAR POMPETTE, BAR ALLEGRO, LITTLE SISTER, NAARI, ODD DUCK

This patio season, Toronto’s top dining destinations are bringing their best outdoors. From waterfront tables and garden patios to lively terraces and cocktail-forward spaces, spots like Minami Toronto, Tondou Ramen, Favorites Thai, Lyla, Taberna LX, Bar Pompette, Bar Allegro, Little Sister, Naari, and Odd Duck offer standout ways to dine al fresco all summer long. Whether you’re after a sunny afternoon lunch or drinks that turn into dinner, each delivers a distinct patio experience worth booking.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Minami Toronto brings a polished, waterfront patio experience to the Harbourfront, offering a seamless blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine and vibrant city energy. Open from April through October, the patio accommodates approximately 40–50 guests and transitions effortlessly from relaxed daytime dining to lively summer evenings. Reservations can be made HERE.

At the core of the experience is Minami’s signature aburi-style sushi, paired with a menu that balances precision, premium ingredients, and visual artistry. Guests can explore a curated Happy Hour Menu featuring items such as Mini Poke Nachos and Truffle Dashi Pork Gyoza, alongside a broader selection of sushi and seasonal plates designed for sharing or full meals.

The beverage program plays a central role, with an extensive offering of wine, sake, and signature cocktails, complemented by dedicated Happy Hour selections during early evening hours.
With its waterfront setting and refined atmosphere, Minami is especially well-suited for date nights, social evenings, and after-work gatherings where elevated food and ambiance are equally prioritized.

Tondou Ramen
IG. @tondoutoronto
📍596 College St

Step into patio season with Tondou Ramen, where a Yatai-inspired patio sets the tone for a lively, casual outdoor dining experience with seating for up to 36 guests. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM (last call at 11:00 PM), the concept invites guests to enjoy bold, flavour-forward ramen in a vibrant street food setting. Signature favourites include the Tonkotsu Special Ramen and Okinawa Soba, alongside a seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20), with Hiyashi Chuka, a refreshing cold ramen, arriving in May for the summer months. The average spend ranges from $20–30 per person. Reservations can be made HERE.

Seasonal Menu
Seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen – available starting May) ($19.5)
Key Dishes
Tonkotsu Special Ramen ($21.5)
Okinawa Soba ($17.5)
Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
📍141 Ossington Ave

A four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient, Favorites Thai brings one of Ossington’s most consistently sought-after patio experiences back for the season. The modern Thai restaurant in Toronto’s west end pairs MICHELIN-recognized credibility with a lively, flavour-forward approach to outdoor dining, centered on bold, shareable dishes and an energetic neighbourhood atmosphere. Reservations can be made HERE.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the 18–20 seat patio is ideal for group dinners, casual nights out, or spontaneous spring and summer plans from May through September.

Guests can enjoy Favorites Thai’s full regular menu outdoors, with the option to order à la carte or settle into Chef’s Choice, a six-course experience priced at $100 per person. Guests can add a four-pairing wine experience for $45 per person, with any additional wine pairing available for $10 each. It’s a strong fit for everything from a spontaneous Ossington dinner to a more curated evening that unfolds course by course on the patio. Paired with fruit-driven cocktails and rotating drink features throughout the season, the experience feels polished yet approachable. The full menu can be found HERE.

The patio carries the same tone as the interior—simple, relaxed, and a little bit electric—set against the backdrop of one of Toronto’s most vibrant streets. Rather than a fixed seasonal menu, Favorites Thai highlights its current offerings, with evolving features introduced throughout the summer. The result is a dynamic experience that leans into bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and an easygoing, high-energy atmosphere.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Lyla welcomes patio season in Queen West with a fully redesigned outdoor space returning in early May (weather permitting), offering an elevated open-air dining experience across multiple dayparts. Ideal for group dinners, stylish brunches, and after-work Aperitivo, the space features U-shaped booths for 6–8 guests and banquette-style tables for smaller parties. Reservations can be made HERE.

Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-driven menu rooted in seasonal ingredients, raw bar selections, handmade pastas, and premium meats, alongside a curated Aperitivo program with cocktails and bites under $20. Service runs daily for dinner (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM), weekday lunch (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM), Aperitivo (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM), and weekend brunch (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM), with pricing ranging from approximately $25–$45 for lunch, $85–$150+ for dinner, and $35–$60 for brunch. It’s especially well-suited for everything from relaxed daytime dining to polished evening occasions.

Lyla’s redesigned 2026 patio introduces a more immersive, design-forward outdoor space with ambient lighting and lush greenery, seamlessly transitioning from daytime lunches into Aperitivo and refined evening dining.

Lunch (Monday–Friday)
Beef Tartare ($21)
Canadian prime beef, pecorino, quail egg, sourdough.
Cavatelli all’Amatriciana ($25)
pork cheek, san marzano tomato, stracciatella
Steak Sandwich ($33)
grilled picanha, gruyère, crispy shallots, horseradish aioli
Aperitivo at Lyla (Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM)

A curated selection of cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks offered at preferred pricing
A dedicated Aperitivo menu featuring refined bites, each offered under $20

Dinner
Hamachi Crudo ($33)
Ponzu, tempura, citrus
Linguine all’Aragosta ($65)
Atlantic lobster, bisque
12oz Canadian Prime Striploin ($89)
au poivre, rosemary
Weekend Brunch
Pain Perdu ($21)
brioche bread, caramel sauce, vanilla bean gelato
Shakshuka ($23)
tomato, peppers, poached eggs, sourdough
Steak & Eggs ($35)
grilled steak, eggs, breakfast potatoes

Taberna LX
IG. @taberna_lx_to
📍1161 Dundas St W

Taberna LX, a modern Portuguese restaurant in Toronto’s West End, invites guests to experience its rooftop terrace, an elevated, Lisbon-inspired space anchored by a striking 26-foot mural by Canadian artist Madison van Rijn, offering a refined yet playful menu of shareable petiscos, signature mains, Azorean volcanic wines, and globally influenced cocktails led by Isabo Leblanc. Ideal for media, tastemakers, and group dining, the rooftop accommodates approximately 44 guests for à la carte service (first-come, first-served) and is also available for private bookings and full venue buyouts (up to 180 standing / 120 seated), with typical event durations of 4–5 hours during the warmer months. Menu highlights range from $16–$56, with cocktails around $19–$20, showcasing bold, ingredient-driven Portuguese cuisine without a fixed seasonal menu but a strong focus on shareable plates and curated beverage programming. It’s great for stylish rooftop dinners, late-night drinks, and high-energy gatherings in a design-forward setting that feels transportive and distinctly different from the city’s typical patio scene. Reservations and event inquiries can be made HERE.

Sample Menu
Cafe Steak ($56)
A nod to our LX namesake with a nontraditional take on the classic dish .
Francesinha ($27)
Our signature take on the classic—sirloin, mortadella, chouriço, and a fried egg between thick slabs of brioche.
Salt Cod Fritter ($16)
A traditional favorite of salt cod in a very non traditional potato dumpling
Seafood Rice ($32)
A rich seafood rice stew packed with sweet shrimp, cuttlefish and XO sauce
Paixao ($20)
A fun, fresh, and playful take on a sour, featuring lemongrass-tinged Ketel One vodka and passionfruit. An instant summer classic.
Porto ~ Cola ($19)
A bartender’s cocktail and a highly smashable summer entry. Graham’s 10 matching our mural Per Se and house made cherry syrup. Soon to be canned as a “ready to drink ” takeaway cocktail.

Bar Pompette
IG. @barpompette_to
📍607 College St

Recognized by North America’s 50 Best Bars, Canada’s 100 Best, and ranked among the top cocktail destinations in the country, Bar Pompette, a French inspired bar, reopens its 35-seat patio this May, bringing one of Toronto’s most acclaimed drinks experiences back outdoors for the season. Set in the heart of Little Italy, the patio extends the bar’s signature polished yet effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, now paired with a fresh lineup of seasonal cocktails launching alongside the opening. Expect bright, spring-forward flavours and thoughtfully layered drinks that make the most of the warmer months.

Operating on a walk-in only basis, Bar Pompette is ideal for spontaneous evening plans, whether that’s an after-work drink, a late-night round, or an easy weekend catch-up. The bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Friday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, giving guests plenty of room to settle into the night. With its award-winning bar program, extended late-night hours, and effortless walk-in format, it remains one of the city’s strongest patio destinations for cocktail season.

Bar Allegro
IG. @barallegro_to
📍597 College St

European-inspired and built around modern aperitivo culture, Bar Allegro moves seamlessly into the season with its 50-seat glass veranda already open, ahead of the outdoor patio debut in May. Designed for elevated snacks, slow sips, and shared moments, the space brings a refined yet easygoing energy that feels ideal for spring evenings and stylish catchups. The transition into patio season feels especially natural here, with the covered veranda already offering a bright, polished setting before expanding outdoors for warmer nights.

Open 7 days a week on a walk-in only basis, Bar Allegro welcomes guests Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday until 1:00 AM. Whether it’s an after-work aperitivo, a relaxed date night, or a longer evening over cocktails and snacks, the experience is designed to unfold at an effortless pace with a distinctly European rhythm.

Little Sister
IG. @littlesisterto
📍2031 Yonge St
📍102 Portland St

Patio season returns to Little Sister in mid-May, weather permitting, with both the Portland and Yonge Street locations reopening just in time for spring dining in the city. The Yonge Street location, known for its Indonesian cuisine, will feature a 45-seat street-facing patio, making it a great choice for lively after-work drinks and spring evenings downtown. Meanwhile, Portland brings a Dutch-Indonesian dining experience, with two distinct outdoor options: a 20-seat front patio and a newly refreshed back patio reserved for private group dining, accommodating up to 16 guests across 6 tables. With Portland’s patio relaunch expected the weekend before Victoria Day, the refreshed setting will feel especially timely for the season. Reservations for Portland location HERE and reservations for Yonge location HERE.

To mark the warmer months, Little Sister’s spring/summer drink menu launches in the last week of April, led by a playful seasonal feature: the “Watermelon, Sugar… High” cocktail, made with Absolut Tabasco vodka, watermelon, lime cordial, and fresh mint. Guests visiting throughout the season can also enjoy the daily Happy Jam menu from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with food and drink specials starting at $7. As produce comes into peak season, the cucumber watermelon salad is expected to return in late May, adding a fresh seasonal element that pairs perfectly with patio dining. It’s an easy fit for everything from casual happy hour meetups on Yonge to more intimate group dinners on Portland’s private back patio.

Naari
IG. @naarithai
📍501 College St

Patio season at Naari Thai BBQ brings the restaurant’s bold, fire-driven energy outdoors with an intimate 20-seat patio in Little Italy, ideal for warm evenings built around shareable plates and cocktails. Rooted in Southern Thai flavours and live-fire cooking, the outdoor experience is especially suited to dishes like BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay, Charred Scallops, grilled meats with sticky rice, and wok-fired favourites, all designed for a lively, communal meal. The Southeast Asia–inspired cocktail program, led by Sakshi Humne, adds to the patio appeal with standout sips like Gloomy Daizy, Tamarind Honeycomb, and Mango Chipotle. With its vibrant neighbourhood setting and a chef-led menu built on brightness, balance, and flame, Naari’s patio is poised to be one of Little Italy’s most exciting new spots for the season. Reservations can be made HERE.

Odd Duck
IG. @oddduckwandp
📍93 Ontario St S

Set to open in mid to late May, Odd Duck will welcome guests to an intimate, eight‑table patio that’s fully covered and screened in. Seating is available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with hours running Tuesday 5–9 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 5–10 p.m. Guests can expect the familiar menu they love, including refreshing dishes like Sarah’s Slaw with heirloom carrots and golden kiwi vinaigrette, along with sweet treats such as their signature turon. The cocktail menu will continue to evolve throughout the season, offering something new with every visit.

Reservations can be made HERE.

#FOOD: ODD DUCK ENTERS FARM SEASON 2026

Recently recognized by the Michelin Guide, Odd Duck enters the excitement of Ontario’s farm season with a menu that never stands still—changing week to week, and even day to day, as peak ingredients arrive and wines actively shape the direction of each dish.

Positioned as modern fine dining that’s fun, Odd Duck rejects traditional menu structures entirely. There are no seasonal launches, no signature dishes, and no reliance on past favourites – only a continuous cycle of creation driven by what’s available, what’s inspiring the team, and what’s next.
Reservations can be made via Tock HERE

A Menu Designed to Move
At Odd Duck, the menu is intentionally in motion. During peak farm season, 3–5 dishes change each week, with occasional day-to-day shifts, shaped by close relationships with small Ontario farms and the short windows in which ingredients are at their best. Rather than designing menus in advance, the kitchen builds in real time – responding to deliveries, seasonality, and a deeply collaborative creative process. The result is a dining experience where no two visits are the same, and where the defining question is never “what’s popular?” but “what’s next?”

Wine First, Always
What sets Odd Duck apart is its wine-first philosophy. Instead of pairing wine to finished dishes, the process begins with the bottle, using structure, texture, and tasting notes to guide flavour development across the menu. The program is led by co-founder Wes Klassen, a sommelier trained through the International Sommelier Guild with experience at Langdon Hall, who built his career around making wine more approachable, engaging, and rooted in storytelling. The list focuses exclusively on small, independent producers, with an emphasis on organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention practices. The wines are not available at the LCBO, reinforcing a commitment to discovery and to producers often overlooked in the broader market. In this model, wine is not an accompaniment, rather an active ingredient.

A Collaborative Kitchen, Not a Hierarchy
The culinary program is led by co-founder and Culinary Director Jon Rennie, whose approach is rooted in curiosity, critical thinking, and a refusal to accept convention simply because “that’s the way it’s always been done.” With a background spanning classical French, New American, and Southeast Asian cuisines, Rennie has built a kitchen culture that prioritizes openness, mentorship, and shared creativity. Rather than a top-down structure, dishes are developed collectively, assigned, tested, refined, and evolved by the entire team resulting in a menu shaped as much by people as it is by ingredients.

Built by Experience, Backed by Vision
The restaurant’s third co-founder, Rob Corrigan, brings a strategic and community-driven lens to the business. A Waterloo Region-based entrepreneur and advisor, Corrigan was instrumental in recognizing the potential of Odd Duck’s early pop-up dinners and helping evolve them into a permanent concept – one designed to bring a more elevated, yet approachable, dining experience to the region. Together, the trio combines over four decades of hospitality experience with a shared goal: to build something intentionally different.

A Bar Program Gaining Global Attention
The beverage program is further shaped by Bar Manager Emma Osmond, who has been with Odd Duck since before opening. Her work has earned national and international recognition, including being named the Canadian National Finalist in the 2026 Vero Bartender competition and competing globally in Italy, as well as participation in the Tales of the Cocktail apprenticeship program in New Orleans. Her cocktails, alongside an evolving non-alcoholic program, are developed in close collaboration with the kitchen, mirroring the same ingredient-driven and exploratory approach.

Next-Generation Hospitality
At its core, Odd Duck is built on a people-first ethos that begins with the team. The restaurant operates on a no-tipping model, designed to create income stability, equity, and a healthier work environment across both front and back of house. Paired with benefits, paid sick days, and a focus on mental well-being, this approach has fostered a culture where staff are empowered to be themselves which results in a dining room that feels relaxed, genuine, and deeply welcoming. Guests often describe the experience in three words: welcoming, flavourful, and unexpected.

Built by Hand, Rooted in Community
Located in the Victoria Park neighbourhood of downtown Kitchener, Odd Duck is as much a reflection of its community as it is of its cuisine. The space itself was largely built by the founders, including handcrafted live-edge tables made from a single maple tree sourced from family land, and a bar designed and constructed in-house. Surrounded by independent businesses and a growing residential core, the restaurant has become both a neighbourhood fixture and a destination for diners from across Ontario and beyond.

Momentum Following Michelin Recognition
Since being added to the Michelin Guide, Odd Duck has seen guest demand more than double, drawing increased attention from Toronto diners, out-of-town visitors, and international guests alike. The recognition has accelerated growth but the philosophy remains unchanged: stay curious, stay fluid, and keep building what’s next.

About Odd Duck
Odd Duck is a Kitchener-based restaurant and bottle shop offering an ever-evolving, wine-driven dining experience. Rooted in a people-first philosophy, the restaurant combines a collaborative kitchen model, a constantly changing menu, and a focus on small-producer wines to create a style of dining that is dynamic, expressive, and intentionally different. Led by founders Wes Klassen, Jon Rennie, and Rob Corrigan, Odd Duck is known for its fluid approach to food, its commitment to ethical sourcing, and its reimagining of what modern hospitality can look like.