Drake may have put ‘the 6′ on the map, but the culinary scene in Toronto has been around for years. Have you ever arrived to a city and been immediately blown away with the options for things to do or places to eat at in a city? Different ethnic neighborhoods throughout the city focusing on specific cuisines give Toronto an edge. In comparison to New York, Los Angeles, and Paris doesn’t get enough credit. Unknowing to many, Toronto’s food scene has exploded throughout the past decade, and its a great bonus to any visit to the city.What makes Toronto so interesting is that it’s also a very international city. Over 50% of Toronto’s residents weren’t even born in Canada, so it’s no surprise that the culinary options are very ethnic inspired. Overwhelmed with literally hundreds of options for bars and clubs worth visiting? BlackEnterprise.com has narrowed down your options for cuisine and cocktails in the ‘6.’
360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower (301 Front St West Toronto, ON)
Have you ever dined with a magnificent revolving view of a gorgeous skyline with the city more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below? Well in Toronto, you can have this breathtaking opportunity. 360 offers delicious cuisine and crafted cocktails which enhance this culinary
experience. Chef Peter George leads the culinary team at the award-winning 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s finest dining experiences, located at the top of Canada’s National Tower. And that’s not all, at 351 metres (1151 ft.), the Wine Cellar is the highest in the world. The cellar is created to resemble a typical underground wine cellar and features precision climate and humidity controls, redwood racks, double cherry doors, a 9,000 bottle storage capacity and a tasting table. Talk about the ultimate dining experience!
By far one of the funkiest places you may ever visit, Bar Chef strives to create an experience involving all the senses. Mission accomplished. Ower Frankie Solarik takes you on a journey of taste, touch, smell, sound and sight. Bottled cocktails aging on shelves, smoking drinks are being passed and consumed and the bar lined with fresh herbs and bottles of the components necessary for the custom cocktails. Perfect for date-night or just bar hopping, Bar Chef will stimulate all of your senses.
Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill (1301 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON)
Open since the fall of 2001, Starfish features a unique assortment of oysters shucked by World Oyster Opening Champion, Patrick McMurray. The menu changes daily to include fresh fish and shellfish as well as steak, duck and other land food. The atmosphere is cosy, intimate and relaxed. The room includes tables, banquettes and a large oyster bar where customers can dine and watch the shucker in action. The private Shucker’s Room can be booked for parties up to 18 people. Conveniently located to theaters and shopping. Dress is smart casual.
El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane in The Historic Distillery District, Toronto ON)
Want Mexican food from one of Mexico City’s top chefs? Look no further than El Catrin. Olivier Le Calvez was born in Mexico and brings over 24 years of experience to The DRC’s newest restaurant, El Catrin.
The authentic menu features a wide array of tapas style options which allows you to to sample a variety of different items. Not to mention, the drinks are not limited to just traditional margaritas. The cocktails are uniquely crafted and the restaurant features Canada’s largest mescal and tequila bar with over 120 different labels.
Food & Liquor (1610 Queen St W, Toronto, ON)
The restaurant is a bit more sophisticated then it may sound. The casual dining room when you walk in is decked with metallic stools, high-top tables and a chalkboard wall behind the bar which features a plethora of handcrafted cocktails. If you want a more family friendly environment, you can head out back as they host a barbeque to one of the wrought iron tables on the enclosed back patio in the summer complete with themed music (2pac night was amazing) and everything from wings to whiskey. Did we menu the prices are affordable, with the menu tapping out at $9 for each item?