AKEN A STROLL down the Avenue/Bloor strip lately? Within the major ROMification and the occasional McDonalds, a bit of nightlife has been unwrapped. Lobby, now finished with it’s series of private parties and grand openings, is up for public consumption.

Zap! That public consumption is currently the Manolo-wearing, Champagne guzzling, I'm-with-the-band crowd. Perk up your ears (but make sure you have the right shoes touted by InStyle magazine)! Open your eyes (hopefully accessorized by light-as-air Silhouette sunglasses)! And give in to a room that’s more attractive than the crowd that fills it.

But if certain people have their way, the thriving ecosystem of Toronto nightlife will soon find a new member near the top of its food chain, and a left-field member it is. Off the beaten path in the now-beleaguered “Wraps” space at 192 Bloor W. If you live or work in the neighborhood, perhaps you, too have wondered at that shiny unknowable block of concrete, glass, and steel - “is it a furniture store, Marge?”

It is an interesting beast, Lobby - even the carefully groomed hotels hover over Lobby in awe - as it has many faces; restaurant, Champagne lounge and, at a certain point of the night, a club. But not a lobby.

So what exactly are they trying to accomplish? "What we're after is to offer the setting of a boutique hotel lobby," says Mandell, "There is always a feeling of seduction and mystery in a hotel lobby and that’s what we’re bringing to our clientele." Exclusionary velvet-rope lounges and meat-market warehouses aside, that sounds like the idealistic mission statement of just about every major metropolitan nightspot to open of late.

From its handsome underlit alabaster bar to the Chihuly-like chandelier in the back, Lobby exudes a posh sophistication that many attempt and few perfect. And perfect it they do; even the downstairs washrooms (a la Red Drink and the Boiler House) are cunning objets d'art; sleek individual pods awaiting your command. Precipice Studios Paaeez, SpaHa) is behind the design.

Chef Trevor Wilkinson’s cuisine, termed "urban comfort food," has gone through grand-opening overload but is now a fine array of entries like Foie Gras, Kobe beef burgers, lobster ravioli and chicken & porcini potpie. Sous chef is Josh Wolfe, and they work well together in their large open concept kitchen, churning out bowls and bowls of Mac and Cheese with gorgonzola and mozzarella.

If you've got a pretty penny to spend, this is a pretty place to spend it; if you don't, come late and sidle up to the bar. With distinct quartered-off areas, Lobby has positioned itself to capture all potential customers with a heart-beat and a paycheck. Shawn Willis, martiniboys.com


Review ths place

Reader Reviews

Pretentious to the Core.
Iman, Toronto,
Sept. 2, 2004
I'd have to disagree with the earlier reviews I have just read. I've always had a really fun time at Lobby. The outdoor patio is a squash, but the Saturday night DJ is a real crowd-pleaser. From everything to top 40 R&B to retro michael jackson to chill house, I really love the music at this bar. The bouncers have never given me attitude either- perhaps they're looking for a certain kind of clientele... this place can appear pretentious to the unseasoned eye- but then again, which decent lounge in Yorkville isn't? Yes, the drinks are overpriced- buy a bottle. It works out cheaper, if that's a concern. I like Lobby overall- fun place with friendly, if slightly older, patrons.


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