I cannot believe that it has already been over a month since I hosted the #MeetMeAtScaddabush dinner at Scaddabush Kitchen & Bar Yonge & Gerard. Time flies when you’re having fun I guess! As part of my Do The Daniel dinner series, let me tell you all about how I gathered a group of some of my closest friends and fellow media for a night of delicious food, fantastic drinks and all around a good time. I can assure you that you will have a similar experience upon your next visit to Scaddabush Kitchen & Bar.
The premise of the column is simple; work with restaurants of all kinds to explore what they have to offer and what makes them unique. In a city like Toronto, the choices are sometimes daunting and the food reviews and critics can be snotty and too complicated for their own good. So why not keep this easy? Drinks. Appetizer. Main Course. Dessert. All along with a bit of information about what makes them my choice for Daniel’s Dish and why you should try them right away!
Scaddabush Kitchen & Bar (Yonge & Gerrard), 382 Yonge Street Unit #7 (Corner of Yonge & Gerrard) – (416) 597-8838
When I was approached to host another one of my Do The Daniel dinners (check out some of my previous dinners here & here) at Scaddabush, I have to say I got excited. I had heard so much about the second location at Yonge & Gerrard in the heart of downtown Toronto. Their first location at Square One is one of the most popular hotspots to eat in that neck of the woods. Moving into the downtown core was a big step into an area that so desperately needed good food & a great atmosphere. So I was tasked to combine a guest list of fashionistas and food lovers alike. Amid my following friends, we joined in on the #MeetMeAtScaddabush experience which proved they are ready to take Toronto by storm.
@DaintyGirl_TO, @MyFashAvenue, @DuetPR, @JessicaDenomme, @StephenThomasM, @FusionOfEffects, @MattBorrelli, @vanessacesario_, @FASHIONIGHTS, @TIF_Richard, @ThinkReese @Sulli24 & @DoTheDaniel combined their social media powers to bring you our #MeetMeAtScaddabush experience at @SCADDABUSH. Make sure to follow each and every one of these beautiful & amazing people because they are simply some of the best in the business we live and breathe.
The space of Scaddabush Yonge & Gerrard is absolutely amazing. Combining the rustic flare of authentic Italian cuisine in the mismatched plates and chairs, to the intimate candle light that greets dinner guests once the sun sets. I was astounded at the sheer SIZE of the place! With two floors, a private dining experience available, the biggest bar north of King Street I have enjoyed to date and the art on the walls… It is one of those spaces that steals your heart before you’ve even taken your first bite, and once that moment happens, you’re hooked.
Recently opened in 2014, the restaurant itself is quickly making waves in Toronto as the hotspot in the north of the city core. Finding authentic Italian cuisine that goes so far as to pull their own Mozzarella is something quite unique and inspiring. My guests for the evening were greeted, in classic Italian style, with a glass of Prosecco as a thank you for joining in my #DoTheDaniel evening full of love, laughter and LOTS of food.
But what makes Scaddabush such an incredible space and destination for me is that fact that they use their power and influence for good. They have supported such charities as “Healthy and Happy” with SickKids Foundation and continue to show corporate responsibility to give back to the community in such incredible ways. To me, this is a true testament to the brand and the type of restaurant that I like to support as a customer.
Not to mention the fact that they can cater any type of party you want to throw. Organizing a group of people is not an easy task and I can tell you from first hand experience, it’s a LOT of work behind the scenes. Lucky for us, Scaddabush has the tools available to do the hard work for us.
So after all that information that has no doubt convinced you to head to Scaddabush, let me tantalize you even more with some of my favourites from the night. I’m sure my esteemed guests will agree the following items blew them away and will no doubt have the same effect on you as well!
Drink:
By now, you all know how I feel about a cocktail menu and making a decision on what to start an evening with. I will, as mentioned in the past, usually trust my server to advise me what drink they would recommend. In most cases, creating a relationship of trust with your server and allowing them to guide your experience will help you to enjoy a restaurant in the most authentic way possible. That being said, amid the beautiful drink menu options available at Scaddabush Yonge & Gerrard, the one cocktail (I will admit that we all enjoyed several and loved them all!) that stole the show for me is the Blood Orange & Cucumber Mojito. Combining Captain Morgan White Rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, blood orange puree & a splash of soda. This sounds like something that I would recommend in the summer time but is so hearty and delicious that it has me thinking about sipping one year round.
Not only is the colour captivating, but the flavours of blood orange speak so loudly and compliment rich Italian dishes and cuisine. I have nothing else to say except that you have to try it. Balanced, beautiful and refreshing in all the right ways.
Appetizer:
I will admit that I already knew what I would recommend before I even tried it based upon the experience I had with the group watching fresh mozzarella being pulled in front of us before dinner. Not only is it extremely impressive to watch, but also shows the dedication to providing their guests with the freshest food possible. For those of you who have never tried fresh made mozzarella, this is a game changer. Delicate in its flavours, paired well with just about anything… I had a hard time NOT eating my body weight in the samples we had the pleasure of trying.
Of the Fresh Mozzarella options available (in total three are on the menu), I would recommend you try The Naked. The cheese speaks for itself in its beauty, but paired with extra-virgin olive oil, focaccia crostini, San Marzano tomato jam & sea salt it’s just a lot of fun to enjoy with friends over a cocktail or glass of wine. The epitome of a good night out, it allows sharing if you’re like me and love to enjoy food with others. If, like Julio, you’re aren’t the biggest “sharer” when you go out to dine, it’s the perfect size to enjoy on your own without ruining you appetite for your main course to come. Sweet, salty and just enough savoury with the crostini. This, to me, it a classic example of an Italian way to start off a classic Italian meal. And I LOVE that that person who made the mozzarella for you signs the paper is it plated on. Just another personal touch amid a sea of personal touches that stole my heart.
Main Course:
This is a very VERY difficult choice for me to make being that the group was treated to so many incredible dishes on the menu. I think that at one point I may have lost count of the number of dishes I tried, tasted and tantalized my taste buds with. Sitting amid a communal table with my dear friends helped to create a perfect atmosphere for a night out. Now, I know it’s not for everyone, but I highly recommend you do it. Not only do you get to pass food and laugh in the middle of one of my favourite restaurants, but chances are you’ll also make some new friends while you’re at it.
If I had to pick my top three must try items (I know that I’m breaking my own Daniel’s Dish rules with this one, but I have to! There are just too many choices and I’m a Libra!) they would be the The Sophia Pizza, The Straight Up Meatball & The Baked Carbonara.
The Sophia Pizza is served on a wooden board with Pizza scissors. It combines Marinated chicken, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil.. simple and absolutely stunning. I must say, I’ve never cut pizza with scissors before and I’m not sure how I will ever go back now that I’ve realized how easy it is!
The Straight Up Meatball is basically the size of my head and should not be ordered by someone who is looking for something light. Let’s just pretend that calories doesn’t exist when I tell you that it comes in Classic or Stuffed options and combines their signature meatball with focaccia crostini, cheese sauce, garlic chips, fresh basil & Sunday sauce. Heaven on earth for a meatatarian or someone looking for meatballs like you would find at Nona’s house. The whole menu really does speak to the “home made” rustic flavours that come to mind when I think of Italian cuisine.
Lastly, The Baked Carbonara inspired ooo’s and aaaa’s when it was set down on the table. Combining Parmesan cream sauce, smoked bacon, scallions, garlic, black pepper, soft poached egg on fresh penne… I’m not a pasta person and I adored the rich decadence of this dish. I would go so far as to say it is a LOT of pasta for one person, but perfect for sharing. With a group of friends, I think ordering one of each of these three items can truly show you the breadth and skill that the chefs of Scaddabush have put into their menu. All delicious, all “not-so” nutritious, but well worth the indulgence.
Dessert:
After all that food, I wonder if it was even possible for the group to enjoy desserts. But when the options arrived in a sharing style on yet another rustic wooden board, you should have seen our eyes light up! Of the Smörgåsbord of sweets that was set in front of us, my absolute favourite has to be The Tiramisu. Julio can attest to the fact that this is one of our favourite desserts to enjoy together and is VERY difficult to find a good one. The Tiramisu at Scaddabush might just be my favourite in Toronto to date. Combining Lady fingers, sweet marsala, espresso, mascarpone cream and cocoa… Can you get any more Italian than that?! Just enough espresso to cut through the richness and the perfect size for a romantic night out or to indulge in on your own.
Secret You Should Know:
Traditionally, I don’t usually find a secret you should know while hosting my Do The Daniel dinners. But lucky for me, It was my dear friend Marcus’ Birthday the night we all gathered together. (Thank you again Marcus for taking time out of your birthday to join me. That means a lot!) The one thing that will stick in our minds is that Scaddabush Yonge & Gerrard has some extremely talented staff members! Our lovely server Cesar Erba (@CesarErba on twitter btw) serenaded Marcus with a Happy Birthday that quite literally stopped the dinning room to listen. His voice is INCREDIBLE and truly added a beautiful touch to the evening. Thank you again Cesar for an incredible night and wonderful moment we will all remember thanks to you and your fellow staff members.
Make sure to follow @SCADDABUSH on Twitter & Instagram to inspire your next craving for authentic Italian cuisine with all the right touches. Please use the #MeetMeAtScaddabush hashtag to join in on the social media conversation during your next visit and tag @DoTheDaniel to bring me along with you!
For more behind the scenes of this and other Daniel’s Dish visits, follow my Instagram!
Please remember to enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive.
Photos: Scaddabush Kitchen & Bar (Yonge & Gerard) & Daniel Desforges
Cheers!