Drake Hotel Dining Room
What used to be an ‘urban crash pad,’ has taken a left turn and become a boutique with a wildly original look and feel(goodbye hipsters, hello pretentious scenesters). Unburdened by the hotel’s odd new-meets-old imperative and the loud design fusion of Rorschach ink blots and replicated old-bar furniture intermingled with delicate hanging art, and a dramatic stairway that separates restaurant from bar, the hotel restaurant is a toy-shop delirium. Getting to the dining area is not for the timid though; you and your party will push your way through the lounge area - solo, you won’t be guided - where you’ll be ogled at and appropriately rated by the crowd. So dress well and be prepared to push your way through many people more attractive than you. And don’t think that when you get to the dining spot you’ll be freed from the lounge area; it’s really one large rumpus room with diners, sushi barflies and party kids each in their respective corners. –A.J.
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The Fifth
It’s no longer Easy; it’s simply The Fifth. Based on the long-proven Miami social club scene, The Fifth Social Club combines all the elements demanded by Torontonians who love to indulge in the finest accoutrements that club life has to offer. Formerly known as Easy and the Fifth, the space has undergone a facelift allowing for new elements to revitalize the space. The venue itself is a solid repackaging of the schematics that made the original so popular in the first place. The restructured atmosphere allows for a mid-twenties clientele to mingle and dance the night away next to a still-hip, older crowd. Kind of like a Cougar bar with class.– F.A.
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Globe Bistro
Succeeding the former Café Brussel space on the Danforth, Globe Bistro may have found the right formula. Concentrating on international flavours and adding a dash of Canadian flair, it has the right vibe. Owner and pimp namesake, Ed Ho, orchestrated big-budget wonders with the 4,000 square foot space, losing the dark art décor aesthetics in favour of elegant chic. Acres of blonde wood, a sea of white linen and 16 foot vaulted ceilings put diners in a festive mood, further augmented by the global-plates concept. –S.W.
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Imperia
Within the showy confines of Yorkville, restaurateur Franco Agostini has been enjoying a quiet existence with his new venture, Imperia. The man behind Banffi, Il Posto, and Cafe Doria, has brought another dose of glitz to an already pomp-ified area. Rich people in expensive clothing fill the lavishly designed dining room every night, throwing piles of money around like it ain’t no thang. Imperia’s chef, Vancouverite Christopher Palik, has spent time perfecting his culinary prowess throughout Italy and France and it shows. The Italian menu features such delicious appetizers as the Grilled Stuffed Calamari and tantalizing entrees like Lobster Risotto Primavera. It’s a ‘wine and dine’ venue, so be sure to bring along somebody worth impressing. – J.L.
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Lobby
With Lobby, owner Jeff Mandell has married the old with the new, drawing inspiration for the refurbished ambiance from the '40s, with a tip of the hat to swank supper clubs like New York's Stork Club. Designed by Toronto's own Designer Guys (Matt Davis, Allen Chan and Anwar Mukhayesh), the new design is all about layers; there is a sense of the modern, the exotic, and the timeless. The cocktail lounge features a diverse drink list and the menu by Chef Jonathon Lucas (formerly of Prego) features delicious retro-bistro cuisine with Asian accents…but let’s be honest, you’re going to this place for the design and the see-and-be-seen atmosphere. So go on, check out the Lobby. If you impress the right people there you might even get famous (ok, that’s a lie, but a nice fantasy). – J.L.
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