The premise of the column is simple; work with restaurants of all kinds in this amazing city 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 our choice for Daniel’s Dish and why you should try them right away!
The Beverley Hotel, 335 Queen Street West (416) 493-2786
I’ve come to realize that a column like this is about evolution and learning from my previous posts to ensure the following ones are the best that they can be for you. It’s a great way to look at life as well. In learning from our choices in the past, we can make ourselves better people in the future. So I can only hope that as I evolve alongside Daniel’s Dish, that the column itself can do the same. That being said, let’s get on with this week’s new and improved Daniel’s Dish featuring the new hotspot on Queen West!
The Beverley Hotel is one of those locations you could walk by and never notice unless you knew what you were looking for. But trust me when I tell you, once you visit this boutique hotel with its signature rooftop patio and elegant restaurant, you won’t forget it. Its concept from top to bottom is all about fusion. Nestled in between the hipster driven Queen West and the tailored suit Financial District, the hotel is the best of both worlds. Elegant but fun, approachable but chic.
With Chef Eric Wood at the helm of the restaurant, I knew I was in good hands. This man has a flare for public speaking and a gift with his culinary masterpieces. The menu in his own words is “approachable but exciting… featuring local ingredients with a global sensibility. Finally an upscale hotel that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
Drink:
Before this short-lived summer takes its leave, the place to be for an intimate drink or a small gathering with friends is the rooftop patio. With food service available and a grill built-in directly beside the bar, the feeling is that of a beach side BBQ; with shades of white linen and fresh greenery. It’s like being in the buzz of the city whilst in a calm cool oasis. I encourage you to try the French Kiss 75, which is a twist of a classic champagne cocktail. Honey grapefruit and pink prosecco with a lemon twist is the perfect way to end a long day at work and start a long night in the downtown core.
But in all honesty, the entire cocktail menu is appealing and they take it quite seriously. Don’t expect a thirty-second beverage as most of them are quite labour intensive, but for the most part they are well worth the wait and they say patience is a virtue. Don’t forget that it is quality over quantity and good things come to those who wait.
Appetizer:
As I mentioned the fusion of the dishes are really playful and I smile every time I think back on my dinner. From the caviar served on homemade potato chips to the seafood Crudo which is a play on a classic ceviche – the dishes are just stunning. And the best part of the experience was it wasn’t just another flash in the pan experience where the dish is beautiful but falls short on the tongue.
I genuinely can say I will go back over and over because the food is just that good. If I had to pick one, I would highly recommend the Buttermilk Fried Quail. Slightly gameyer then you might expect but balanced with the crunch of the batter and the sweetness of fireweed honey which helps round all the trifecta of flavours beautifully. Sweet, salty and savoury.
Main Course:
The main menu isn’t overly complicated, but maintains the playfulness of flavours and plating. Before you roll your eyes at my next recommendation, listen to what it’s all about. The BVRLY Burger is one of the best burgers I’ve had in Toronto in years. Made in-house, topped with Guernsey cheese and watermelon – intrigued yet? I hate to sound like a broken record, but the balance of Sweet, Salty and Savoury is…well, perfect. A bit on the messy side, I wouldn’t say it’s a first date meal but I would definitely devour it on dates 2 through 9. With a side of homemade Kennebec fries that are lightly salted and hinted with smokey flavours, the dish is the fine dining version of that greasy diner burger you know you wanna eat.
Dessert:
You won’t find a dessert menu anywhere and that’s because the daily freshness of the menu translates beautifully into the perfect ending to a perfect meal. I was treated to homemade donut holes with balsamic cherries, salted caramel and lemon curd. The decadence of a french pastry on the streets of Paris but in a bite size form? Sign me up please and thank you. Options don’t stop there. Homemade ice cream with daily flavours are on the summer to-do list including lemon and merlot. Everything is decadent without being gluttonous and I like that. So that I can indulge without feeling too guilty (aside from when I lick the plate clean that is.)
Secret You Should Know:
You won’t find a better deal for lunch, be it a quick visit in between board meeting or a relaxing afternoon with your ladies. The must see is the play on a bento box lunch, coyly named 4 Play @ Lunch which gives you the decadence of a four course meal in a convenient quick-lunch. My rule is to never skip over the change to treat yourself to some delicious food, so why not call ahead and order this special that changes DAILY and take it back to the office?
So, get out to The Beverley Hotel to try out these delectable dishes! Make sure to tweet @BeverleyHotelTO, @ChefEricWood & @DoTheDaniel to tell us what you thought about your experience at the new hotspot on Queen West thanks to #DanielsDish!
Photos: The Beverley Hotel, Julio Reyes