March 1st marked the Toronto opening of China’s biggest music restaurant franchise, Hutaoli Music Restaurant ^ Bar. Having over 400 locations, it is the first restaurant to open outside of the country. The name means “ideal fantasy world” in Mandarin Chinese which fits perfectly with the 2-year’s-worth of work in designing the interior. A massive venue, with a potential of hosting over 200 guests, is decorated like an elusive forest; with dangling lightbulbs, vinery, beautiful plants, and bird cages. The…
CC Lounge located in the heart of Downtown Toronto by St. Lawrence Market, is a multi-faceted resto-bar lounge that exudes comfort, yet a high-energy vibe from both the staff & guests. Upon entering, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with a large bird-cage and extravagant crystal chandeliers frozen-in-swing. The venue itself is polished with pink and blue lights beaming on the surfaces and a hint of the 1920’s resides in the design of the leather couches, framed portraits, and whisky barrels.
With the reopening in May, Maple Leaf Tavern settles back in with a relaxing ambiance. The traditional American bar located in Leslieville has a brickwork-surrounded cozy interior, an outdoor patio with beautifully dangling lights, and a welcoming open concept kitchen consisting of a wood-fire oven. Executive Chef Jesse Vallins – formerly at The Saint – heads the kitchen with recipes that have one salivating by simply looking at the menu.
Across the street from the Scotiabank Theatre, nestled in a quiet corner of Toronto’s garment district, you might notice a white circular sign with a horse on it. This is where you’ll find Thoroughbred Food and Drink, a recently opened contemporary Canadian restaurant. We paid a lunch time visit there on September 19th to discover just what it’s all about.
Taking over the old London Tap House on 250 Adelaide St. West, the new country bar Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon opened on December 4th in the downtown core. The country themed details go deep, from the mechanical bull all the way down to the bar stools with full-sized saddles. The launch party was packed featuring the Spurlesque dance group, door prizes, cupcakes, great food, giant margaritas and their signature drink, The Bulldog, which was a lime margarita with an upside-down…
We were excited to be at the Tundra because our friend would be there: Tundra executive sous chef, Eraj Jayawickreme. The award-winning Tundra restaurant in the Hilton Hotel was renovated and reopened and we had the opportunity to be part of the opening festivities to enjoy this great venue featuring designs from the Montreal-based design firm, Lemaymichaud, that allows patrons to socialize in a chic environment in the new lobby bar with a new concept focused on Canadian ingredients. The…