he New Year inevitably sweeps in annum after annum on harsh northern breezes that are often called the winds of change. This month those winds seem to be affecting the restaurant scene in Toronto on a hyper level. There is a plethora of new and (hopefully) interesting spots opening soon for you to show your pretty face. But, (sigh) with every birth there must be a death, naturally, and I’ve also got a few closings to announce as well. So, let’s get right to it.

First and foremost, if you haven’t bought up property around the Drake Hotel yet, you have clearly missed your chance - unless you have $$$ to spare. Which is what Hanif Harji, the owner of Kultura and Blowfish , must be. Harji is opening a new restaurant called Nyood right in the midst of the action – that being The Beaconsfield , The Social and The Drake Hotel.

Since the popularity of the surrounding hot spots has peaked, other venues following suit have naturally become a bit cheesy. Hipsters can be found on the regular posing as something they’re not – emulating, to a certain degree, the venues they fill - while the hip and rich moved on to the new locales. The opening of Harji’s Nyood will hopefully breathe some fresh air into the stale vibe on Queen West. Harji has taken on and fallen out with a few partners for this new venture, but he has settled on proprietor of Palais Royale , The Miller Tavern and The Wheat Sheaf , Terry Tsianos. Let’s hope it lasts.

In other exciting Queen West news Nasty Nav a.k.a. Nav Sangha and DJ Jelly a.k.a. Chris Harper opened their Wrongbar , further out on the Parkdale strip.

In a place that makes over-25ers feel over-the-hill, LoKi is a young thing afterhours destination.

These two cats know their tunes to a tee and are super skilled at creating a wicked vibe at the drop of a hat. Hailing from Sweaty Betty’s , Communist’s Daughter and Lee's Palace these boys have enough experience and style behind them to create a happening scene. Get in on it while it’s fresh.

In even more Queen West news only of lesser relevance, a Sushi 2 Go has popped up at 414 Queen W. for all your raw fish-on-the-run desires. And a meek Urbano has very quietly taken over the old Sugar Café location.