A few days ago I skipped through Yorkville to enjoy lunch at Toronto’s favourite luxury boutique hotel The Windsor Arms Hotel. The city was truly blessed with glorious weather in October. Every day seemed as though Summer were blowing us a kiss.
I enjoyed sips and nibbles at the The Windsor Arms Hotel’s famous Tea Room this past Spring. This summer the team at The Windsor Arms Hotel enthusiastically refreshed and rebranded their restaurant, announcing their new concept as The Living Room.
The beverage program continues to feature award winning wines and creative cocktails while a new push to please craft brew lovers delights with over 6o beers to chose from. The newly designed space offers a laid back atmosphere where travelers and locals alike can enjoy a comfort food-centric menu. Interior designer Jacques Dinel has brought British influence to The Living Room’s airy main communal space, decorated with original print art from the UK. At the very back of the restaurant a separate formal dining room features twinkling chandelier and original Charles Patcher paintings.
Arriving shortly before noon I whisked my way past oversized chesterfields and plopped myself down on a comfy leather chair. Showered by the rays of mid-afternoon sun which spilled through the nearby window, I smiled as my guest and good friend Dwayne arrived at the table.
We focussed first on quenching our thirst. I flipped through The Living Room’s massive beer list and made sure to sample bottles I’d not yet had the opportunity to sip and savour. When I asked my server what her favourite dishes on the menu were she chirped, “the frites are to die for.” Taking her advice we sampled a trilogy of crispy sweet potato, avocado and hearts of palm all dipped in a spicy aioli.
Other lip-smacking comfort favourites include: a refreshing Apple and Watercress Salad, melt in your mouth AAA New York Striploin and a Moroccan Tagine with preserved lemon. Sweet finish duo both included whispers of edible gold leaf: a fine Eton Mess followed by Gianduja Chocolate Salted Caramel Cheesecake decadence. Stumbling onto Yonge Street heading home my smug mug was ready to hit the hay. A Living Room comfort food-coma.
The Feast:
Beer Tasting
Weihenstephan, Erdigner Dunkel, King Dark, Nickelbrook Green Apple Pilsner
Frites
sweet potato, avocado, hearts of palm
Mini Kobe Sliders
sweet pickle, bbq sauce
Apple and Watercress Salad
blue cheese, walnuts
AAA New York Striploin
truffled mash, chimichurri portobello
Moroccan Tagine
chicken, saffron, preserved lemon, green olives, olive oil mash
Eton Mess
strawberry rhubarb kirsch compote, chantilly cream, meringue crumble, strawberry pearls
Gianduja Chocolate Salted Caramel Cheesecake
raspberry vodka infused berries
Andrew,
It’s always a pleasure to host you.
Thank you for the review and joining us in The Living Room.
Christine Korda
Director Communications & Special Events
Windsor Arms Hotel
18 St. Thomas Street
Toronto, On M5S 3E7
416-934-6022 (Direct)
[email protected]
http://www.windsorarmshotel.com
Really love the new relaxed space! AJVD