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| - This week the iconic Toronto landmark, The Drake Hotel, opened its sister restaurant, bar and art space- the Drake One Fifty. Located right in the heart of the financial district, the 6,000 square foot space was carefully designed by esteemed British decorator Martin Brudnizki and then further accented by a unique art collection and the creative work of Brothers Dressler.
The vibe keeps with it's sisters' vintage post-modern tavern vibe, but feels a little bit more sophisticated and chic to fit the business suit clientele.
For summer power-hours and after work dinners and drinks, the Drake One Fifty showcases a covered urban patio landscaped by awarding designer, Joel Loblaw. Inside, you immediately see a mini "Drake Store", a small alcove stage for live music and a vintage photo booth for late night fun. The real showstopper, however, is the 60-foot oval marble bar that provides a convivial atmosphere for mingling and people watching with a drink in hand.
Speaking of drinks, expect to see sophisticated cocktails like the Suppressor #21 (Cynar, Barolo Chinato, Sherry, Orange Bittesr, $13), the Baller Manhattan (Colonel E.H. Taylor Whisky, Carpano, Antica Vermouth, Angostura, $14), and the French 75 (Hennessay Cognac, Lemon, Sugar, Prosecco, $14). There's also a hand-selected list of local and international wine offerings available in 6 or 9 oz pours ($10-26) or by the bottle ($40-95) and of course a handful of local and international bottled beers. You can also bet you're boots that like its Queen W venue, One Fifty will be open late for your drinking desires.
Just past the leather lounge tables and banquettes that overlook York St is the large open-kitchen style dining room. With a seamless flow from the bar area to the full dining room, here you can comfortably watch the action in the kitchen, the buzz at the bar, or simply just enjoy your companion's company. It's obvious that the Drake One Fifty would make for one heck of an impressive date night out.
Complementing its flirty décor is a fantastic menu developed by Executive Chef Ted Corrado. Ted has put together a fairly extensive dinner menu that embodies the Canadian brasserie experience. Here's an overview of some of the dishes we tasted Blistered Shishito Peppers: Cherry Tomatoes, Sea Salt, Crispy Garlic ($9)
Scallop Crudo with Preserved Lemon, Kohlrabi, Black Olive Reduction, Puffed Rice ($17)
Seafood Platters with Oysters, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Lobster, Calamari, Snow Crab ($150)
Talk about luxurious!
Raddichio and Burrata Salad: burrata, Mache, Black Garlic Dressing, Macona Almonds ($17)
The creamy burrata with the slightly bitter leaves was a winning combination.
Forager Pizza : Fior de Latte, Rampes, Wild Mushrooms, Pecorino ($22)
Beef Tartare: Cubraes Sirloin, Tomato Puree, Pickled Shitakes, Egg York and Potato Chips ($16)
Deliciously rich and tangy tartare on a nicely seasoned crispy chip.
Roast Lamb: Greek Yogurt, Roasted Baby Eggplant, Citrus New Potatoes, Haricot Verts, Chili Puree ($28)
Favourite dish of the night- loved the crispy exterior of the lamb and it's juicy tender meat, especially with the spicy chilli puree and the creamy yogurt.
Whole Rotisserie Chicken: Leeks, Potato, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Chicken Jus (for 2 people, $40)
Lemon Meringue Pie ($9)
The Drake One Fifty is located at 150 York St (at Adelaide St W) and is open for business starting October 2nd with hours Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. It's conveniently located at the Adelaide Place entrance of the PATH, and there is parking underground for only $7. And while I may work from home and rarely visit the financial core, the Drake One Fifty is looking like the hot spot this season I'd make a special downtown field trip for.
- See more at: http://www.abbeyskitchen.com/blog/event-drake-one-fifty-opens-downtown/#sthash.ropiVGfD.dpuf
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