y, that is certainly one big loud commotion going down in Yorkville. Yes, the Empire has freshly landed, reveling in the art of the well-placed boom, which makes its appearance just prior to the Toronto International Film Festival perfectly fitting. On top of that, the resto-lounge has the interior design of the criminally underappreciated Jason Statham.

As the annual Film Festival graces our city, the Empire’s grand opening could not have come at a more opportune time. Selling itself as a place “where royalty comes to play,” Empire is tightfistedly setting its sights on very demographic, and on slow days perhaps, anybody with the mandatory cash.

Located at 50 Cumberland, the Empire aims to attract their “royal” crowd, in stark contrast to its neighbour, the age-old, more relaxed Pilot. As droves come out to do a little star gazing, the Empire’s front patio might be a prime spot to do just that, should you make the grade.

Designed by George Foussias of the Hirschberg Design Group the decor is spacious and minimalist. Black curtains with Asian inspired flower patterns maintain the bar’s consistency as do the white ostrich leather seats that fill both the downstairs and upstairs. Upstairs is the restaurant area and the now the requisite street-front patio, with a capacity of 110 for lunch or dinner. With TV screens nestled in booths, expansive glass doors that allow a clear view of the entire restaurant, Empire is dripping into the areas of voyeurism and observing.