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| - I spent a pleasant lunch hour with a colleague at SpeakEasy 21. First, our server was delightful. Her name is Sam. Ask for Sam, seriously. The hostess informed us the place was full but since they were new, she allowed us to have a look. We immediately found two single stools around the perimeter overlooking the courtyard at Scotiaplaza. The manager was quick to react and pulled the seats together, giving us a spot for lunch. While my colleague's tummy was a bit achy, we decided to have a whiskey and appetizer lunch. The newsprint style menus are interesting but very difficult to read as they are tall and keep folding over. She got a Glenmoranghie and I got a Brown Derby (bourbon, zest and honey) -- both enjoyable but Bay Street pricing. Our appetizers came quickly and the hot was hot and the cold was cold. First, succulent dates filled with cream cheese and wrapped in drippy but crispy bacon. Yum. Next, cauliflower hummus with pita/naan (not sure). We had to ask for more bread. Sam acknowledged it has been an issue and said that they were prepared for it and immediately brought us more hot and crispy pita/naan.
They are working on a deck to seat about 200 complete with its own bar. There are some interviews on websites that do more justice to their plans than me.
Overall, lovely servers and good food. The decor is sparse but the place isn't large and other than the kitchy phonebooths, you're there to be seen (lawyers, bankers, etc), and for good food and drinks. This joint will do well.
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