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Deadpool

It's Deadpool for Vdara, Carole's Cafe and The Fashion District

Posted by Tim / December 14, 2009

20 Comments

VdaraTurnover continues on Queen west of Spadina as we head toward the end of the year. At the corner of Queen and Tecumseth, Vdara has been shut down by their landlord for failure to pay their rent. Despite generally good reviews, the restaurant never seemed to pack in the crowds. But I guess most area residents could have predicted this one. Habitat couldn't make this large corner spot work and Satori Supper Club flamed out in a hurry in between. Who's going to have the gusto to take over this lease next?

Fashion DistrictA couple of blocks east, clothing boutique Fashion District has called it quits. They had a big sale earlier this month and since this photo was taken the store has closed and the window papered over. Could this have been predicted? Their web site never got the promised September 5th refresh.

Carole's CafeFinally, at the beginning of this month Carole's Cafe in Liberty Village was also evicted by their landlord. The notice on the door was dated early September so apparently their rent was in arrears for a while. The place was never too busy and couldn't really find a way to connect with the neighbourhood's lunch crowd.

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Maria / December 14, 2009 at 09:53 pm
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The picture of the place clearly says Carole's, but the article headline says Carol's.
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b. / December 14, 2009 at 10:29 pm
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carole's kitchen was laughably horrible. tiny, uninspired portions that were obscenely overpriced. good riddance.
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Christopher / December 15, 2009 at 12:08 am
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Vdara was good. :(
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Tim replying to a comment from Maria / December 15, 2009 at 12:36 am
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Oops. This has been fixed.
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Dawn / December 15, 2009 at 08:42 am
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There's always a high turnover on that corner Queen & Tecumseth. I wonder what it is?! too bad.
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Richelle / December 15, 2009 at 10:16 am
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I tried twice to redeem a gift certificate at Fashion District and it was closed both times - little wonder they went under.
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Richelle / December 15, 2009 at 10:19 am
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I tried twice to redeem a gift certificate at Fashion District - but it was never open and that's bad for business on a Saturday! Little wonder they went under.
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jen replying to a comment from Dawn / December 15, 2009 at 10:21 am
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Yeah, I wonder too...great location and a nice space. Since Future Bakery, nothing's lasted.
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Colin replying to a comment from b. / December 15, 2009 at 10:39 am
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I agree with 'b.' regarding CK. With so many better, cheaper options in the area, I can't imagine how they thought they'd survive. $10 for a miniscule, crappy club sandwich with a few potato chips. Wanna get a salad instead of chips? $3, please. How about this: Adios.
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Dan / December 15, 2009 at 11:05 am
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Shot in the dark.. the turnover @Queen & tecumseh is due to a jerk landlord who charges too much rent
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Todd / December 15, 2009 at 11:14 am
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Loved vdara. Great food, great at night. It seemed like it was going last. No such luck, I guess.
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Todd / December 15, 2009 at 11:15 am
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Going *to* last that is.
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Peter / December 15, 2009 at 11:34 am
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I believe Habitat lasted for 5 or 6 years. Not a bad run. And it was better than the Wendy's/Tim Horton's that had been contemplated for the space.
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Kiss!! / December 15, 2009 at 12:32 pm
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I made out with Ethan Hawke on the patio of Habitat about 6 years ago!!!!
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james replying to a comment from Dawn / December 15, 2009 at 12:56 pm
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extremely high rent, and a big space to fill. that's what did it.
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Lovedose / December 15, 2009 at 01:07 pm
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I am not surprised that Vdara closed. Soo expensive for a menu that was so plain. Honestly, can't anyone open up a place that is trendy with good music that is affordable for all who lurk within Toronto? No matter who has money, spending it lavishly on a simple sandwich, is just ridicules. I don't care who made it or what type of cheese it comes with; having a place that is considerate with food prices brings the true Torontians coming back for more. People living with an average income will always seek a constant deal. So long sucka!
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Ex-Queen W resident / December 15, 2009 at 03:14 pm
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The Future Bakery that was on Queen and Tecumseth has been the only restaurant at the corner with some staying power. Only a few places between Bathurst and Shaw seem to know how to keep a place running - like One of a Kind Pasta...
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Lazar / December 15, 2009 at 04:12 pm
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Huh... I passed by Carole's a number of times before the notice went up, and to be honest, I thought it was a place that was going to be "opening soon". There was never any sign of life when I passed by there (patrons or staff), so I always assumed it was closed or getting ready to open. Ah well, judging from what people have said here, no great loss.
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Silly replying to a comment from Dawn / December 15, 2009 at 04:49 pm
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having lived right there, i can tell you that the neighbourhood watch often complained about the noise levels coming from that corner and authorities were called quite often. especially during the habitat days. but otherwise, i've got nothin. not sure why such a high turn-around on that corner.
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ct / December 18, 2009 at 08:21 am
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The Fashion District has not disappeared, it just moved next door folks!
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