Matt Blondin Cooks For Charity; The Lucky Penny Opens

MIDTOWN – Chef Matt Blondin is donating his culinary skills for Buy Art Not Kids' 2nd Annual Live & Silent Art Auction Fundraiser Fighting The Injustice Of Child Sex Trafficking. Blondin, who recently announced plans for a new snack bar to open later this year, will cook an exclusive meal for six, to be enjoyed at the home/studio of celebrated artist Cesan d'Ornellas Levine. The auction will be held at Havergal College on April 4th.

TRINITY BELLWOODS – The Lucky Penny, a new café and general store, has opened at 189 Shaw St. to bring park-dwellers and neighbourhood school children an array of "groceries, sweets, sandwiches, coffee, dog toys and more—even comic books." Fine goods from local suppliers – Glory Hole Doughnuts, Blackbird Baking Co. and Moo Milk Bar – line the shelves, and come summer, owner Debbie Rix plans to open a 25-seat patio. [Eaterwire via Toronto Life]

KING WEST – Chef Rob Gentile posted a photo on Instagram today to announce that the long-awaited Bar Buca on King West is officially open for business every day from 7am to last call. [Eaterwire]
[Photo: Buy Art Not Kids]