Dear reader,

It’s not a great time to be a vegetarian in Toronto (or a cow, for that matter). It seems like every week, we’re reporting on the opening of a new steakhouse. And these aren’t just any steakhouses—there’s one in the old TSX space with its own Himalayan salt–lined aging room and a 24-karat gilded ceiling, while another takes up the entire 38th floor of the Well. And, most recently, one has taken over 16,000 square feet of Union Station, turning the transit hub into a dining destination—no disrespect to Commuter’s Lounge, the sad and smoky basement bar across from the (also long-gone) Amuse-o-Matic arcade. More than one of these new restaurants also serves sushi, real top-of-the-line surf to go with all that turf.

Fiscally speaking, it seems like a very weird time to have an influx of such swish spots. Did Matty Matheson jumpstart this trend with Prime Seafood? Is it because, with grocery prices as they are, there’s hardly any difference between making Shake ‘n Bake at home or going out for steak au poivre? Or are the current cuckoo-bananas weather patterns making everyone think apocalyptic thoughts, so to hell with saving and planning? More Wagyu! More Hokkaido scallops! More Super Tuscans! The end is nigh! 

For those looking to increase their iron levels without breaking the bank, there’s Bear Steak Sandwiches, a new lunch counter with two menu items and a cult following. 

Forty years after the launch of Wendy’s “Where’s the beef?” ad campaign, we finally have an answer for Clara Peller: it’s here. 

For anyone with champagne wishes and caviar dreams but a bologna budget, there’s Bear Steak, a newish takeout counter in Little Italy serving up a menu of just two sandwiches: steak (obviously) and slow-roasted pork shoulder. But be prepared to wait. (And don’t worry, no bears were harmed in the making of these sandwiches—the name is simply a combination of the owners’ initials.) 

Oh, look, another steakhouse. This one’s called Chambers, and it’s also a supper club (something else we’re seeing a lot of these days) with valet parking and a baby grand piano that isn’t just for show. 

We recently poked around the home kitchen of Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn, the chefs and co-owners of Mexican restaurant Fonda Balam (which was recently given Bib Gourmand status by Michelin). It’s unsurprisingly stocked with all kinds of salsa, chilies, hot sauce and mezcal. Take a peek for yourself.

In the latest issue: how two faux-Inuit sisters cashed in on a life of deception. Plus, the city’s best cheap eats, a suburban holy war between religion and real estate, a bittersweet memoir about ditching Toronto, and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.