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| - Having people wanting to get in even before a restaurant is officially opened is always a good sign. The Chicago Don is a brand new concept and an exciting new iteration of the previous Sheesha Lounge on Bloor near Ossington.
I attended a pre-opening tasting menu which is the basic new concept being offered, for what I believe is the first time in Toronto. And aside from some of the basic pre-opening challenges that any new restaurant faces, the ambiance, service and food were all good. Some dishes lacked the brilliance of others however it was explained to us that there were still some technical issues that were in the process of being perfected.
The interior is a combination of new bar meets old world charm. The main dining area is warm with very comfortable seats in a subdued, however bustling ambiance. In the light of a "rehearsal" type of service, the wait staff were friendly, prompt and always available. The "Don" himself, Ilan Kritzer was ever present and working his charm and passion throughout the restaurant, eager to show us the bar, kitchen and the new technology employed from cooking to entering orders.
The food service concept is a mix of tapas, Italian dim sum and an all-you-can-eat (as it is ready to be served) tasting menu. There are 8 courses served individually in a rotation, hot from the kitchen to the table. The menu changes daily from over 80 different old world recipes. The dishes were Italian-themed with variations on that such as coconut shrimp and various presentations of beef, chicken, seafood and desserts that are decidedly small (as we are told) to allow for a wide range of dishes. It seemed to be a great start to what I can imagine will only get better. The cost is $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends for all the food you can eat. There is a decent drink list with some hard to find wines and cocktails..
There is a lounge area in the back that looks inviting and is a great place to hang out with friends in a private, comfortable area for drinks and snacks. This would be a great space to book for a private party or corporate event.
Overall my rating is based on a limited exposure to a brand new concept which was obviously conceived with lots of forethought and planning. The Chicago Don officially opened the second week of April and promises to be a place worth visiting and coming back again and again. Good work guys!
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