Apres Noir
We pull up to the impressive entrance at Château Le Jardin. Valet’s leap with alacrity to take our car, and guide us across the black moiré patterned carpet to Apres Noir. Inside the opulent foyer, flutes of Dom Perignon are graciously offered, several bars with top shelf wines are offered for the tasting. And, what’s this, artist Daniel Mazzone is painting huge canvasses with pithy phrases in bright colors. “Lets Make Dreams Our Reality”, we agree. Continue reading “Apres Noir”
Where To DINE Now: Core Restaurant
Leslieville has a new core: the heart of a neighbourhood and the reflection of its community. The culmination of careers in hotels and restaurants, Core restaurant is imbued with the personality and expertise of its owner and partner, H (Hyun Jung) Kim and Mark Moffatt. Continue reading “Where To DINE Now: Core Restaurant”
Duck Dynasty…In Markham
When Canadian duck met Imperial Chinese cuisine it was an “East meets West” match made in Heaven…or Markham. The unofficial embassy of the specialized culinary heritage of Peking duck is QJD (Quan Ju De), established in Beijing in 1864. Now, over 150 years later, to our great anticipation and delight, QJD has been licensed to operate in Toronto, the first location in North America. Continue reading “Duck Dynasty…In Markham”
Where To DINE Now: Mira
There is a mystique to the inconspicuous entrance of Mira. It’s a rainy night and lanterns illuminate a narrow passageway. There’s a kind of Ziggy Stardust album cover feel to the walk-up. Upon entrance, an immediate tropical vibe; youthful, urban, hip. 80’s music streams, and all seem to be grooving to it. Have we entered a time warp? Or are we in Miraflores, the inspiration for this kitchen? This is the culinary progeny of Hanif Harji and Chef Stuart Cameron. As we’re guided to our high top table, it’s clear: there’s a pulse; a vibrancy; and we need a cocktail. Continue reading “Where To DINE Now: Mira”