Panorama Revised: The One Eighty on the 51st Floor

The scenic Panorama Lounge on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre has been a long-time highly sought after destination in Toronto for event planners and celebratory occasions.

Still under the same ownership at Eatertainment headed by Sebastien Centner, the destination now has a focus as a Los Angeles inspired dining experience with influences from Centner’s travels while also growing it’s image as an upscale cocktail lounge.

And now the 2,500 sq ft venue is modernized as a bright and spacious loft feel with exposed ceilings, an impressive Caesarstone showpiece M-bar with a built-in DJ station and chefs rail.

So the new name of the venue refers to the stunning one hundred eighty degree views that still make it one of the best views of Toronto. But the culinary efforts are being put in the same limelight.

New features of The One Eighty include an “On the Cart” menu, a literal a la carte served table side by a bar cart with a daily selection of chef’s small plate creations including delicious treats such as foie gras creme brulee and mini pork belly skillet.

Appetizers a la carte, literally. Daily Chef’s small plate creations will vary by seasonality but here we have foie gras crème brûlée, pork belly and more.

Here’s just some of the tasty photogenic dishes on the new menu at The One Eighty.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles with crispy jalapenos and cherry chutney

COCKTAILS

As for cocktails there are lots of great ones to choose from. One of the biggest concerns with cocktails is that usually they taste like a lot of sugar. In this case, this wasn’t an issue. My favourite was the Bourbon 51, a stiff and proper drink with bourbon, lemon, mint and simple syrup.

Bourbon 51 with bourbon, lemon, mint, simple syrup

The “Rosemary Bramble” with Dillons gin, rosemary, ginger, blackberries, lemon, sugar, cassis, soda

THE VIEW

Of course the beautiful, scenic North and South views of Toronto remain intact.

A night view of the city scape at The One Eighty (formerly Panorama Lounge)

Sebastien Centner, President and CEO of Eatertainment

“We are introducing a new culinary experience unlike any other in Canada, and bringing the dining experience to a whole new level, with The One Eighty,” said Centner, President and CEO of Eatertainment. “Guests will love The One Eighty’s new contemporary and luxurious décor, highlighting the incredible views of the city, but our real focus is on creating an outstanding menu that pushes the boundaries of innovation while remaining highly accessible.”

Great to see one of Toronto’s top destinations upping the ante on this widely cherished venue.

The One Eighty is located at 55 Bloor Street West at the Manulife Centre on the 51st Floor
Operating hours are from Sunday to Wednesday from 5pm – 1am and Thursday to Saturday 5pm – 2am.

For more info and reservations visit www.the51stfloor.com

Photos by Nick Lee