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| - I've been doing this Yelp thing in the GTA for 6 years now, and I've resigned myself to the fact that craft cocktails may never show their face in a big way in the 905. Maybe it's the price, maybe it's the affinity for wine and beer, maybe it's that the understanding of the work cocktail has been confused with items like bellinis and/or blue lagoon passionfruit 17 sugar filled ingredient martinis - I mean they 'are' cocktails but then so is adding Crystal Light to vodka and water - blegh!
I got word that the new Marriott Hotel and Residences in Markham had opened and inside the belly of the beast lay a truly hidden gem just waiting for me to discover it - a classic cocktail bar and Can-Asian inspired restaurant. I was dubious but intrigued, so I sought them out.
If you're pulling their Yelp page up on the app and looking around, no it doesn't have a street facing sign or entrance (at this time), there are two Marriott towers, you'll want to either park under the LEFT tower, or park in one of the lots around Downtown Markham on Enterprise drive. Once you've parked, walk between the buildings (look for the sculpture of the bear) and turn LEFT into the main hotel lobby. Draco is the hotels lobby bar and restaurant but easily takes up 60-70% of the main lobby with a massive lengthwise bar and an abundance of seating.
If you're standing in shock because of how breathtaking this business is, don't worry so was I, but this is your excuse to find a seat (preferably at the bar if you're riding solo) and take it all in. You're in for some surprises.
Fun Fact: Draco, meaning Dragon in latin, is a constellation in the far northern sky and is one of the 88 modern constellations today... oh and if you're not into astronomy, you can simply visit Draco at night where their magnificent ceiling art installation, when adorned with lights, gives off a constellation itself.
I could wax on about decor and design but to keep it short, it's modern, exquisite and for the younger readers - Bougie A.F. Get what I'm saying?
The real star here is the food and bar. They have an extensive cocktail list with standouts like their Draco Smoked Old Fashioned (which I ordered) a sparkling Sake Mojito, a Rosemary Pineapple Margarita AND a flaming Smores Martini (listed as a dessert cocktail - as it should be) amongst others.
You can also order Barrel Aged Flight boards with various assortments of Tequila, or whiskey.... wait what? Where AM I? Is this my personal heaven?
As mentioned I went with the Smoked Old Fashioned, and wow, what a production. A solid hunk of ice is placed in a heavy metal ice mold and slow pressed into a sphere. While that is happening the bartenders uses a Breville smoking gun to smoke your choice of wood chips into a decanter where it's stored while your cocktail is being made. Hands down, this is the best Old Fashioned in York Region, and in a close competition for best in the 905. True story. This is a must have.
The food menu, is equally impressive. Canadian comfort food staples with a slight nod to the Asian community around which they serve. Not so far as to claim Asian Fusion but a slight palate nod in some of their dishes. Stand outs in my opinion were the Holden County Burger, King Cole Duck Breast, Draco Poke Shrimp Bowl and my order the Lobster Grilled Cheese.
I wanted some comfort food so a Lobster Grilled cheese with an upgraded side of Duck gravy poutine (gravy is made in-house with duck stock also made in house). If you want pieces of duck confit on your poutine order the King Cole Duck Confit poutine off the shareable portion of their menu.
My meal, while not my best calorie choices, was exceptional. The lobster in the grilled cheese was plentiful and the cheese perfectly married with it inside the egg bread. Then paired with the duck gravy poutine... wow! It was a creamy poutine with one of the richest gravies I've had, only a slight taste of duck so you know it's the real deal.
It's a hotel restaurant/bar so expect a slight premium on prices, but keep in mind you're paying for the prestige and ambiance of this venue as well as the high quality ingredients going into your cocktails and food. Total paid all in for a craft cocktail, lobster and duck infused meal with 20% tip was $50 approximately. You can just as easily come for coffee, dessert and free wifi if you're looking for somewhere to hang during the day.
Between places like Draco, Ruth's Chris (coming Dec 2018), Kiku, Lucullus and Terre Rouge, Downtown Markham is proving that it is steering away from value eats which has been the norm in Markham for ages and aiming for high quality trendy foods that attract a clientele looking to pay for that quality and experience. I personally welcome it and look forward to returning to Draco regularly - it's my new Markham hang.
Eatcrest Out
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