Gradually, the march from Miami to Toronto has been heard through the tinkle of martini glasses, and the injections of silicone and Botox into the bodies of our friends and enemies. As a temperate country, we idolize, eroticize even, the look of places far warmer than us. A few years ago it was the Caribbean that we sought to emulate, creating spaces like Bamboo and holding parties in the Sunnyside Pavilion. Today, we are more concerned with Florida, or LA, combining sleek American minimalism with some serious summer imagery.

Wetbar, the summer patio of Level nightclub, is a contrasting space to the mega-club below. Even the colour themes contrast, with Wett’s white clean look, reminiscent of a Miami pool-side versus Level’s red and metallic sheen. The warehouse below is populated with party demons praying to the gods of hedonism, while the space above is reserved for erudites of more particular taste, who value conversation and martinis over insanity and lasers. The clubs express a duality, if not in the club owner, then in their customers, through creating a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde club scenario.

The theme of the pool-side is reflected in the use of lighting behind the bar to project rippling water on fabric to mimic a pool’s reflection. To add to the water theme, soon there will be a waterfall upon entrance to the space. Tables glow from within, and the beats played were deep and sexy. Overall, the place seems kind of unreal, like it isn’t in Toronto, but that can be a good thing, especially if you haven’t gotten out of the city this summer. Many VIP areas are available, which allow customers various views of the skyline and the dancefloor. Well, there wasn’t any dancing when I was there, but there was a lot of mingling.

Wetbar is cool. Unfortunately, it isn’t original. The Miami theme has been done, and this is a response to the trend. However, it is done effectively, and the place is undeniably sexy, so who cares? This will likely be a summer hotspot for a long time because though it may be trying hard to please its customers, Wetbar makes it seem natural. Let the children drop E downstairs, the adults will sip cocktails under the stars, thanks. Really appreciate the distancing. - T.F.