Sin and Redemption, Toronto

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  • Sin and Redemption

    Richard Trapunski Last Updated: August 08,2008 4:14:51 pm
    The just-opened Sin & Redemption seems to still be figuring itself out. Just steps away from the Ontario College of Art & Design, the AGO, and the beer-heavy Village Idiot, it would be easy to expect the bar to be a pub-style watering hole. And from outside, that looks like the case. Once you get inside, however, it becomes obvious that the bar is struggling to reach higher than its location should allow.

    The big open windows looking out on St. Patrick's Catholic Church are a nice touch (probably where the moniker comes from) and the long maroon banquettes and hardwood walls certainly wouldn't seem out of place at your average pub. But the lighting scheme, which favours electronic candlelight over lighting fixtures, is way too low for a watering hole.

    To be fair, Sin & Redemption never claimed to be a pub; it just seems as though it should be. But instead of a place for students to chill out over a pint, it seems better suited to the dating crowd. The bar, as it turns out, is inspired by the French, and after all what's more romantic than the French?

    Like the décor, the menu is surprisingly large and surprisingly fancy. Steak Frites shares menu space with Duck Confit, Braised Beef Short Ribs, and Potato Crusted Black Cod. You wouldn't find nachos or chicken wings anywhere near this menu. Even the waiter spoke with a French accent, and I spent the majority of the evening trying to decide whether or not it was real.

    The wine list follows suit. The many French selections sit side by side with wines from Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Italy. It's a long enough list that it almost overshadows the beer list. I say "almost" because I really was quite impressed. With 32 beers on tap (on tap), the selection is far from limited to Brick Lager. I sampled a beer called Delirium and I was glad I did.
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    AT A GLANCE
    Sin and Redemption
    126 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON

    Downtown
    Venue:
    Bar, Restaurant
    Hours:

    Price Range:
    $$$ (Within Reach)
    Payment:
    Master Card, Visa, American Express, Cash, Debit
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    5 Reader Reviews

    Great meal, best service in the area and an atmosphere that doesn't take itself nearly as seriously as the reviewer. Imagination went into the design and decor: and talent and taste into the menu. There isn't another place within walking distance to compare.

    1. Sam Nelson's Review :: November 07, 2008
    Sam Nelson's Rating: 4 Stars
    I liked the beer and atmosphere, but the food and service were simply atrocious! Pate and coldcut plates came with disgusting soggy crackers, the pate itself was flavorless, and the waiters kept bringing the wrong drink orders.
    I think I will go back there again for a quiet and relaxed place for a beer, but no food ever again!!

    2. AceGirl's Review :: November 01, 2008
    AceGirl's Rating: 1 Stars
    Completely wacky... but it works. In the end, S&R is really just another pub, but the off-the-wall goth structure makes it a tad more fun.

    3. Sam Hyatt's Review :: September 12, 2008
    Sam Hyatt's Rating: 3 Stars
    yeah, three stars is about right. a whole lot of ordinaire here.

    - meals were generally boring
    - Beer was fine

    I wasn't even expecting the place to get me excited...and it didn't...

    4. Anonymous's Review :: August 20, 2008
    yeah, three stars is about right. a whole lot of ordinaire here.

    - meals were generally boring
    - Beer was fine

    I wasn't even expecting the place to get me excited...and it didn't...

    5. Big Dan's Review :: August 20, 2008
    Big Dan's Rating: 2 Stars

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