Don Ellis | Last Updated: September 25,2009 09:27:49 am
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N  estled safely away from the shot-bar haze of Cluband-eria, from the beery debauch of Circa (which is rumoured to have an extremely short life expectancy), from the distilled effrontery of Hooters, lies SpiceSafar. More precisely, SpiceSafar, which opens today, takes over the space that foodies will fondly remember as Avalon, back in the day.
With a design that channels 1920’s-era absinthe bars in cosmopolitan cities like Paris, Cairo and Shanghai, and by using a cocktail mixology that borrows a few tricks from El Bulli’s molecular gastronomy handbook, this new spot feels like world travel approximated (with the exception that everyone speaks English). The Moroccan-themed SpiceSafar, founded by Montreal-based Wilhelm Liebenberg, takes over not one but two Toronto locations this week (the second SpiceSafar is now open in the Atelier space at 510 King West).
For those not familiar with the Montreal mothership
SpiceSafar is not just a café (read more)or lounge, but - to paraphrase the brand's jetsetter owner - SpiceSafar is "a lifestyle destination". Trickled down, that means multi-function space, as it starts the day as a café/espresso bar and inches toward full-on cocktail lounge as evening approaches.
In a striking ode to Paris' Collette franchise, the bakery-café-lounge-club space is also part microboutique, showcasing curated products, from cutting-edge electronic toys and must-have books & magazines. Whatever you label it, this vibrant space is indeed an auspicious apparition, a dreamy tattoo heroine on the great bicep of clubland, heralding some of the more ambitious mixology (more on this here) these parts has to offer.
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 AT A GLANCE
SpiceSafar
270 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON, Canada
416-340-0444
Clubland
Venue:
Cafe, Lounge
Hours:
9:00am - 2:00 am
Price Range:
$$$ (Within Reach)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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31 Reader Reviews | Stumbled upon this little hole in the wall last night and ordered 2 drinks. Venue is pretty cosy and well designed, but nothing close to an upclass high end dig for which its drinks are priced.
They didn't have a drinks menu so we just got a glass of red and a mojito. The bill came to $26. Felt totally ripped off for a place like this and a location like this. A hole in the wall opposite hooters, charging prices like Canoe, Bymark or Sassafraz?
To add insult to injury, the mojito tasted like soda water. the mint wasn't crushed, no lime, no sugar...
1. Ripoff's Review :: January 24, 2010 Ripoff's Rating: 1 Stars |
For a moment I thought I was back home at some bar in South Beach. Two thumbs up on the vibe and design. The space makes a good impression when you first walk in. Completely unexpected from the view you get on the street. I'd much rather grab a drink here than the rooftop at the clubs further downtown.
2. Dan Cotes's Review :: December 28, 2009 Dan Cotes's Rating: 4 Stars |
Best Peach Martini in town.
Actually, it's a molecular Peach martini. But still, I never would have guessed this corner shop/lounge could out-do the Four Seasons.
3. Francis Learo's Review :: December 16, 2009 Francis Learo's Rating: 4 Stars |
I gave this place 2 stars only because the room is a comfortable environ, otherwise nothing special. The cocktails seem to have come down in price from $16, down to $12, but no longer served with anything on the side as others have mentioned. With tax, $28 seems a little pricey for 2 "nothing special" drinks in a glorified cafe. Service was only ok, no friendly, warm service for us even though there was only one other table of guests in bar. In fact, when i handed the bartender 2, $20 dollar bills, she asked me if i would like some change for that. Huh! Does she expect a $12(50%) tip? I told her she can keep the change (because i'm not a cheap f@ck), but i will never return. She made me feel like i SHOULD tip 50% and assume that i would not ask for some change back. This is terrible service and disrespectful of patrons. I worked for years in service industry and never had the balls to stoop so low as to assume a 50% tip from someone. Tip for those in managerial positions: "DO NOT ALLOW YOUR EMPLOYEES TO DO THIS."
4. Alessandro's Review :: November 27, 2009 Alessandro's Rating: 2 Stars |
The Adelaide space is beautiful and cozy. The drinks are good, but nothing special (esp. for the price). The staff and owner are very sweet and it's great to see and hear how passionate they are about their business. They do an amazing job of making you feel welcome and I hope it works out for them.
5. GFFcrew's Review :: November 07, 2009 GFFcrew's Rating: 3 Stars |
Best specialty drinks I have ever had. Get the coming-up peach thing, and the specialty Champagne cocktail. It's a big operation.
6. Danielle's Review :: November 03, 2009 Danielle's Rating: 4 Stars |
Spiceafar was too crowded and noisy. The service was very slow and could not keep up with the amount of people. The drinkage was good but not special to set it apart from any other good bar/restaurant. The waiter kept saying that the size of the crowd was triple what they usually serve.
7. Kelly Deis's Review :: October 16, 2009 Kelly Deis's Rating: 2 Stars |
Sharon, isn't the entire point of forums for everyone to tell the good and bad? You like the place, others don't. That's life. Ex-employee? Didn't they just open?
Tell me something, though. Do we really need a bald dude hitting on us and telling us about his coffee machine? (Seriously! Does anyone actually care. Next he'll be telling you about his car or some other thing that makes him feel 'bigger'). I know you would say 'who cares' but this guy is the owner or promoter or whatever. I don't know if they hired him to walk around but the reason I care is that he is gross and doesn't shut up. If I am already in the place, stop selling it to me.
Again Sharon, you say this stuff is a personal attack. It isn't an attack on the place. It is saying that if this guy is part of the staff then he has an effect on my time there. If he is a paying customer like me, then who cares (I can just ignore losers like that).
Now about the place. Go during off hours to check it out. Expect to spend a lot of money. I don't care if they give me a bunch of stuff on a plate or board, they are still charging for it. I think people should go in once to see it. If you like it, spend your money. If you don't then go somewhere else. It's not as if this is the only place in Toronto.
As for me. Went there on an invitation. Won't be going back. Hope they do well. Looks nice inside.
8. Candie's Review :: October 08, 2009 Candie's Rating: 1 Stars |
Nice space. OK-looking crowd but unattractive old(!!) people looking for younger people of the opposite sex. Okay, look, to each their own, but don't make me wait in line for this. Also I don't know what the deal is but on several occasions I have tried to enter a private party I have been invited to only to again, wait in line. So like most places, I give this a few more months and then it's back to "sooo yesterday" status.
9. Jane Bradshaw's Review :: October 07, 2009 Jane Bradshaw's Rating: 2 Stars |
I must say that for a place that has only just opened, many of you have not given it the chance it deserves. Ya so Atelier closed, it had run it's course, did you expect it to stay open forever? As for your comments about Wilhem's attempts to strike up a conversation with you, did you ever consider that maybe he is just trying to promote his new business? At least he is willing to take the time to do this himself vs. hiring some promoter. If you chose to tell your self that the place is pretentious and overpriced before you have even experienced it, you will most likley not be open to adopting the concept, regardless of whether some aspects of your experience were good. Anyone suggesting that they should check out Hooters across the street, why would you have even bothered to go to a place that actually has some class, of course you won't like it! There is no way you could even grasp such an idea. Although the cocktails tend to be on the high end of the scale in terms of prices, I thought they were well worth it. I don't beleive that the comments with the odd characters would be from an employee at Safar Lounge as a few of them weren't all that positive. Anyways, I recommend try it before you make any harsh judgements. And no, I am not an employee of Spice Safar. I only expect to hear that if I am questioning all those who have nothing good to say.
10. Ashley's Review :: October 02, 2009 Ashley's Rating: 4 Stars |
Went to the King St. location (old Atelier Noir) and had a great time before heading to Cobra.
I think this is a great place to start the night before going anywhere on King St. I really liked Atelier but don't mind the changes to this new cafe.
I was told by my waitress that they will even have a mini boutique with unique one of a kind items from around the world. the music was nice and chilled which provided a perfect back drop to the beginning of our evening.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a change in lounge.
11. Mason Coen's Review :: October 01, 2009 Mason Coen's Rating: 3 Stars |
I am an avid reader of this website and have posted a handful of times.
After having read about Spice Safar here on this website, I visited the Adelaide location last night and was very satisfied with every aspect of the operation.
The reason I am posting is because I am starting to question the validity of some of the posts in this review. Some of the reviews clearly seem to have a "scorned woman" or ex-employee theme?
I question one review since a Latte comes out of a machine and the milk for that Latte is heated in the same machine and walked a maximum of 8 steps to wherever you are sitting at SpiceSafar?
Their experience was so bad that they had to invite friends along to take a chance a second time....the same day?
A fly? c'mon....lol
If you are looking for 'comp drinks' from the promoter then this is def not the place for you.
Also to the reviewer who was surprised by the $16 Cocktail...they forgot to mention that it comes with food and also forgot to mention that it is possible to order other types of cocktails from the menu. It seems like the only time this person ever spent $16 on alcohol was at the LCBO for a cheap bottle of vodka.
Maybe they should check out "Jack Astor's" I hear they have a great happy hour for the after work crowd.
After reading about the obsession or fascination with the owner/promoter it's obvious that these are personal attacks so let's try to stay focused and discuss the issue at hand which is a cafe that opened here in Toronto much different than the already existing cafes here.
I loved the venue,service,staff, and food that my group enjoyed while we were there. yes we spent a little more than we expected but we did have the choice to order just coffee and dessert if we wanted but chose to take the full experience and were pleasantly satisfied with what we received.
Sharon.
12. Sharon's Review :: October 01, 2009 Sharon's Rating: Stars |
As a coffee lover, I really wanted to like SpiceSafar because the exterior of the shop looked really cool. But, once inside the last thing I want cool is my latte! Their coffee is mediocre at best. On the first visit, my latte was cold – I thought it was a fluke, so went back afterwork with a gang of girlfriends and I tried it a second time - COLD again. And, an added little bonus... there was a fly served in my latte - SERIOUSLY. I don't know who the promoter guy Wilahome thinks he is, but leave us poor girls alone... or at least comp the ladies a few drinks for listening to you ramble about the best coffee in the world from Mexico. I would argue that it comes from Ethiopia. The chocolate crossaints are lacking chocolate and they only offer two types of tea. The girls will be going back to The Dark Horse, sorry.
13. Christine's Review :: September 30, 2009 Christine's Rating: 2 Stars |
Spice Safar is over priced for what you get, definitely not worth the $16 a drink – especially when it is served in a chipped glass. The signature cocktails are short poured and so is their wine, although Miguel the “mixologist” seems a very nice guy. The staff are very friendly, but unknowledgeable and their service is slow. Not the place to go for after work drinks and a good time (without taking a high-limit credit card). The crowd is all designer eyewear wearing posers and the owner Wilhilm?.. is slimy. The only thing faster than the way he talks about his $25K coffee machine.. is how quickly he'll drop off an overpriced bill folder in front of his guests..... I felt feel like a shower after being in there, save your money and go somewhere cool.
14. Baxter's Review :: September 30, 2009 Baxter's Rating: 1 Stars |
I've never been to SpiceSafar so I can't really make a comment. I'm just here to say that I'm really sad to see Atelier go. That was probably Toronto's best lounge, in my opinion.
15. Nick's Review :: September 26, 2009 Nick's Rating: Stars |
Great concept, great location, great food, great ambiance, great music, beautiful girls, did I mention beautiful girls?
Long overdue here in Toronto.
One thing though is that it might be just on the fringe of being a bit "pricey" for some, but then that wouldn't be new on King St. the service and quality were well worth it.
16. Jonathan Spencer's Review :: September 25, 2009 Jonathan Spencer's Rating: 3 Stars |
I was at the Grand opening last night and all I can say is HEAVEN!
Everything that I experienced and tasted was a fresh and most pleasant change from the regular here in Toronto. I welcome them with open arms and have told anyone who will listen that Spice Safar will set standards for the others.
For a change the staff was very attentive and I hope this is not because they are new, hopefully they will keep this up as the norm. I guess only time will tell.
17. Corinne's Review :: September 25, 2009 Corinne's Rating: 4 Stars |
As one who travels extensively for work...I was pleased to see a venue such as Spice Safar finally open here in Toronto.
Lord knows we do not need another bar or nightclub in the city and I was pleasantly surprised at the launch of this cafe/bakery experience. it is nice to know that I can visit in the morning for coffee and pastry or at night for a mixology experience or small tastings.
The staff was extremely accommodating and removed any anxiety that my friends had about the rumor that this might be too 'high end' of a venue for them. The food was outstanding and the drinks were designer to say the least.
Bravo to some added culture here in Toronto! I was at the Adelaide location and it was explained that there will be another opening on King Street anytime.
Now if they could only move that Hooters to another corner !!!
18. Brenda's Review :: September 25, 2009 Brenda's Rating: 4 Stars |
Couldn't believe the place opened in Toronto. It's NOTHING like the Montreal ones - and yes they closed because the owners overpriced and underdelivered on everything (no consistency). Sorry guys, there is nothing original here. As the media release (I mean review) says, this guy ripped off ideas from all over. Funny that they don't even know how to try to manipulate the media by posting on this site. Bill, you hit it right on the head there. Bogus reviews. Hey, but it's TO. We love this stuff here.
19. Danielle Kingsley's Review :: September 25, 2009 Danielle Kingsley's Rating: 1 Stars |
Interesting how the rave reviews have those funny characters in their posts? Maybe same french language computer.. hmm is the owner not from Montreal?
20. Bill's Review :: September 24, 2009 Bill's Rating: 1 Stars |
As a French expat viennoiserie addict, I say bravo Safar for baking divine croissants and other beautiful viennoiseries. I started working in the area a little while ago and am so happy to have discovered your boulangerie-pâtisserie couture. I will tell all my compatriotes about you. This city needs loungy cafés like yours. Your expresso is very good too and potentially addictive to a cappucino drinker like me. A special gracias to Miguel - I loved the cocktail you offered me. Was there really saffron and gin in there? I had no clue what mixology was all about. I am intrigued and will come back to try some more of this fascinating elixirs!
21. Laetitia Casouvant's Review :: September 24, 2009 Laetitia Casouvant's Rating: 3 Stars |
I'm really glad that I have found that SpiceSafar just opened in TO! I used to live in Montreal's Petite Italie, loved their place, the terrasse, the brunch and was sad to see it go. I now live on the outskirts of Toronto's entertainment district and boy, it certainly is in dire need of higher end establishments like this new Safar Lounge. Great bakery products and coffee, and a fantastic oasis to meet up with my friends in a beautiful setting with great music. A heartwarming welcome to my neighborhood and good luck. I will certainly check your other place too.
22. Suzanne Dupuis's Review :: September 24, 2009 Suzanne Dupuis's Rating: 4 Stars |
But did not the "montreal flagship" location close like 8 months ago after getting bad reviews?
.. interesting profile of the owner here: http://www.innersound.co.za/wilhelm.htm
"He has mastered yogic flying" & "has had great success in applying his yogic skills to the ancient art of the Tarot"..
I see it in the cards.. a lot of moeny being wasted!
23. Butch's Review :: September 24, 2009 Butch's Rating: 1 Stars |
Great concept. Good drinks...i do agree with J, to a point....maybe we went on an off day.
24. Tali's Review :: September 22, 2009 Tali's Rating: 2 Stars |
I was ecstatic over the grand opening and surely enough was not disappointed. Having been a server myself, I went in with a few of my friends with a pre conceived notion that such a swanky place as this I would only encounter “pretentious’ workers. However I was greeted and treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. I can speak for the others when I say that the dining and drinking experience as well as the array of diverse people we’d encountered was a great one nonetheless. I am in the process of recommending SpiceSafar to the rest of my co-workers.
25. Amanda Sar's Review :: September 22, 2009 Amanda Sar's Rating: 4 Stars |
I was ecstatic over the grand opening and surely enough was not disappointed. Having been a server myself, I went in with a few of my friends with a pre conceived notion that such a swanky place as this I would only encounter “pretentious’ workers. However I was greeted and treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. I can speak for the others when I say that the dining and drinking experience as well as the array of diverse people we’d encountered was a great one nonetheless. I am in the process of recommending SpiceSafar to the rest of my co-workers.
26. Amanda Sar's Review :: September 22, 2009 Amanda Sar's Rating: Stars |
But what is "across the street" ? Hooters? Active Muffler...?
27. Trent's Review :: September 22, 2009 Trent's Rating: 4 Stars |
I really have to question whether Jannette was actually at SpiceSafar since I just visited and thought the service was great. My friends (five of us) were treated with nothing but a smile and respect by some of Toronto's better looking servers. If you're a fan of a more laid-back setting and some tasty beverages, I completely recommend SpiceSafar.
28. Andrew Downs's Review :: September 22, 2009 Andrew Downs's Rating: 4 Stars |
This place is as pretentious as they come. the management and staff are unfriendly. Other than the mixologist, i have never seen a bunch of self absorbed group of people. save your cash and go across the street!
29. Jannette Spencer's Review :: September 22, 2009 Jannette Spencer's Rating: 1 Stars |
What happened to Atelier? And what was in this space since Avalon (gotta be 4 years now).
30. Diane Wynne's Review :: September 22, 2009 Diane Wynne's Rating: 4 Stars |
Always was a big fan of the Montreal location. Hope this one pans out.
31. Lenny Grant's Review :: September 22, 2009 Lenny Grant's Rating: 4 Stars |
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270 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON, Canada |
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