I had a bit of a crisp and cool deja vu.
Autumn breeze rushed through my bangs as I found myself staring up at the impressive new view of Reds Wine Tavern from Adelaide Street on a chilly November afternoon.
Sir Corp recently refurbished its iconic Reds brand with the hopes that a more relaxed atmosphere and inventive menu would refresh the Financial District. Upon arrival I walked past walls stacked with wine bottles and checked in to reception. I was introduced to the restaurant manager upstairs and spent the next thirty minutes getting a 50 cent tour of the two story space. The downstairs features a massive bar overlooking Adelaide Street West that features over 70 wines by the glass, communal tables, chardonnay chandeliers and shuffle board. The restaurant was absolutely rammed for lunch filled with the chitter chatter of Bay Street. Impressive to see the community has embraced the space after only being open for a month.
Upstairs there are two partitioned dining rooms that can easily cater to private parties with the simple roll away of sliding doors. A beautiful U-shaped table sits in front of the bar and entrance to the kitchen, a perfect spot to indulge in a special occasion where sommalier and chef can provide a more intimate experience for guests.
I was pleased to have lil Nico join me at the table for his first restaurant review. I watched his reactions throughout the meal much to my own amusement. We were seated on a comfy leather sofa in the centre of the second floor dining room. I started us off with two refreshing cocktails, adding an additional Caesar once I discovered he was a lover of Canada’s iconic clam and tomato centric beverage.
Highlights included addictive ham hoc tater tots dipped in chive sour cream, succulent buttermilk fried chicken, tuna nicoise salad and grasshopper parfait. Each of our dishes was expertly paired with wines from here and there. We spent an enjoyable “laissez faire” few hours slowly relishing in each dish.
Reds Wine Tavern has created variety in the heart of Toronto’s financial district. A perfect spot to grab a drink at the bar after work, enjoy a quick lunch or celebratory dinner in a private and intimate space. The service is spot on and dare I say the desserts may just have trumped our savoury feast. As Nico and I spilled out onto the street with our smug mugs we romanticized the Grasshopper Parfait experience to a singular and divine moment worth reliving.
We sampled (* notes my favorites)
Reds Margarita
tromba blanco tequila, grand marnier, agave syrup, lime juice
Bom Collins *
tanqueray gin, lim juice, blood orange juice, soda water
The Charcuterie Caesar *
smirnoff vodka, red’s own tabasco barrel infused tomato-clam juice, worcestershire, house made hot sauce, celery salt rim, served with chef’s selection of pickles, olives, meats and cheeses.
Ham Hock Tater Tots *
chive sour cream, house made ketchup
Grilled Pacific Yellowfin Tuna Nicoise *
arugula, fried egg, marinated beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, vinaigrette dressing
Butcher Burger
custom blend of house brisket and chuck, pancetta, farmhouse cheddar, caramelized onion, brioche bun
Buttermilk Fried Chicken *
crisp coleslaw, fries, house made hot sauce
Butternut Stuffed Fresh Pasta
roasted butternut squash, brussel sprout leaves, topped with crushed amaretti cookies, shaved pecorino
Carrot Cake *
molasses icing, coconut cream, walnut and pecan dacquoise
Grasshopper Parfait *
dark chocolate and peppermint mousse with chocolate crisps
