Famous hockey players, politicians, and business figures united at Union Station last night. No, they weren’t taking a train anywhere. They were there to celebrate. After catching the eye of the countless curious commuters for months with its alluring signage, the anticipated Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House officially launched, with a splashy celebration that drew the who’s who of Toronto out of wintertime hibernation mode.
Located in the east end of Union Station at Bay Street, the sprawling new Liberty Entertainment Group restaurant is intriguing, comfortable, sophisticated, and sexy all at once. Nick Di Donato, CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, teamed up with Canadian financial guru and media personality, Kevin O’Leary and famed Toronto Maple Leaf Mitch Marner to create the new fine dining destination. Naturally, this meant that the launch party included no shortage of well-known faces. People like John Tory, Mayor Olivia Chow, Karl Wolf, and Wendall Clark joined Di
Donato, O’Leary, and Marner.
Mitch Marner
If you’ve dined at Liberty Group’s BlueBlood Steakhouse in Casa Loma, you know the level deliciousness that awaits in this new sister spot on the steak front. But Blue Bovine offers a twist with its ultra-premium, fresh-daily sushi program helmed by an award-winning sushi master, and is one of the few steakhouses to carry the certified seal of Japanese Kobe.
From a sleek open-design kitchen, executive chef Sean Blomeley and his team work their magic. The steak and sushi kitchen combines the best of both worlds, offering a diverse range of spot-hitting premium-grade meats and seafood, expertly grilled. The ultra-premium beef inventory is on display in a salt-rock aging room. Sushi lovers can expect a variety of traditional and innovative sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri from the highest-quality seafood created under sushi chef, Yi-Joo Na. To get up close and personal with Chef Na, the spot’s Omakase sushi bar and table offer traditional Japanese dining.
Sushi Chef Yi-Joo Na, Chef Michael Ewing
“We have created Blue Bovine to compliment the lifestyle of Toronto,” says Mr. Di Donato. “Here, we’re bringing many worlds together, and welcome all including the corporate world for lunches and meetings, the after-work crowd ready to unwind, travelers coming in and out of
the city, and pre- and post-game and show fans and their teams’ heroes, to join us to celebrate.”
Nick Di Donato and son with former mayor John Tory
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you lay eyes on a bespoke, 1500 pound, bronze bull at the entrance of the spot. “Our majestic sculpture is poised to become an enduring symbol, not only for our Bay Street establishment, but also for Toronto’s iconic Union Station and the
community,” said Di Donato. “Serving as Toronto’s own rendition of Manhattan’s famed Wall Street bull, our hand-carved masterpiece represents Liberty Group’s ongoing mission to bring world-class restaurants and unequaled hospitality to our city, and onto the global stage.”
The bronze bull is just one of the talking points that fill the space – aside from the food, that is. Once again, Liberty Group’s VP and creative director, Nadia Di Donato has unleashed her celebrated creative juices in the restaurant’s modern décor and world-class art.
Blending sleek modernism with classic industrial design elements – a nod to Union Station’s Beaux-Arts landmark architectural fabric – the space includes things like a marble-clad grand entrance, classical crown moulding, rich woods, and natural stone. The glass wall of wine is
rumoured to house some $1,000,000 of wine.
Meanwhile, curated street-art pieces juxtaposition the spot’s sophisticated vibe, removing any perceived sense of stuffiness. This includes commissioned works by Mr. Brainwash, Mr. Pinkbrush, Peter Tunney, and local artist, Peter Triantos.
“Blue Bovine’s design subtly weaves a story of the history of the building, the journey of the cuisine, and a narrative of the city, adding depth and intrigue to the unparalleled dining experience,” said Ms. Di Donato. “Our goal is always to create a space that is memorable, immersive, and reflective of each restaurant’s unique identity and vision.”
It’s safe to say she’s succeeded. And, if the launch party is any indication of the future, Blue Bovine will become a quick hot spot for everyone from suburban sports game-goers, to the financial district move makers, and the city’s easy-on-the-eyes social scene staples.
Reservations are available now online for dinner service commencing February 20 th , with a lunch service added as of February 26th.
For more details visit www.bluebovine.com
Photos by Nick Lee
