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| - Put together by Squarefood Design, Hawthorne seats as many as 42 diners, both in tables and at the bar. The windows span from ceiling to floor all along the wall, casting light on the beautiful preserved mason jars that occupy various shelves throughout the room. I know that this whole pickle-container thing is a little overplayed in restaurants right now, but I still really love the look. A far cry from the popular "eclectic" look most restaurants are going for, the light wood tables and chairs are a little IKEA-esque, but are surprisingly comfortable for sitting none-the-less. So, no, the Hawthorne may not be the most sexy of dining rooms, but even with the lights dimmed, it feels organic, cheerful and bright. It likely appeals more to the lunch crowd than to a romantic date night out, which is the only reason I can find for it being only half full on a Friday night.
Having said that, unlike so many other "hot" spots in the city who sport the aforementioned sexy decor, the Hawthorne lends itself fairly well to a date night in other aspects of its atmosphere. The level of music in the room is at a moderate volume- just loud enough to catch a buzz, but not to distract one from an intimate conversation. And the tables (particularly the deuce booths we were sat in) seem spaced far enough apart that I don't have to worry someone's going to be listening in. I also found the temperature quite nicely controlled- all the more reason to bust out a little sassy leg or maybe even a pre-mature shoulder-action, G-d forbid.
Complementing the comfortable setting, the service was pleasant and professional. Being stuck in the middle of the worst bout of allergies I have ever encountered to date (where I have practically lost my voice and choke after more than 10 words of talking), I really appreciated our adorable servers' attention to my water glass. The cutlery was also consistently replenished, and the whole meal moved at a comfortable and appropriate pace-in and hour in 1 1/2 hours. While our server was certainly knowledgeable about the food and drink offerings, I appreciated that she brought in the bartender for some of our more detailed requests. And let me tell you, that bartender knows her s*it. Just listening to her describe different bourbons' tasting notes made me wish I could just stay all night to drink, drink, drink- but sadly, we had choices to make.
At the Hawthorne one can choose from the all-Ontario beer list, a more globally inspired short wine selection (all $10-11/glass), and of course their housemade cocktails. The cocktail list was extensive and tempting, to say the least. Honestly, I hadn't eaten or drank a thing before I had decided I needed to return- there are just too many delicious and gorgeous concoctions waiting to reach my liver! But for those whose livers need a rest (and let's be honest, we all have those morning/afternoons/nights), the Hawthorne actually makes a solid effort to make staying sober sexy. Suddenly being the DD isn't such a burden anymore! Here, they whip up a unique line up of classic sodas in house using only natural ingredients (that's right folks, no high fructose corn syrup here). Well, as you know, we are drinkers ourselves so over the course of the night opted for.
Twist of Faith (Devils Cut Bourbon, Averna, St. Germain Elderflower, Orange Twist, $12)
All booze, yet remarkably smooth and balanced. Totally his kind of drink.
Just Pluck'd (Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, House Pear Cardamom Syrup, Rosemary, $10)
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