Toronto’s fave hipster hospitality brand has in recent years expanded its awesome-aesthetic and culinary creativity from the iconic Drake Hotel on Queen Street West (where it all started) to the bustling Drake 150 on Bay Street, Drake Devonshire’s jaw-dropping hideaway in Prince Edward County and now The Drake Commissary in the heart of The Junction.
Inspired by the neighbourhoods industrial roots and artistic community, the Commissary’s cultural programming features rotating exhibits, events and performances which celebrate local talent and big names from abroad. Drake’s now iconic design aesthetic shines bright at its newest property, offering west-end foodies an inspiring space to sip craft cocktails or tuck into brunch while surrounded by quirky art, awesome antiques and choir of dangling charcuterie.
The Drake Commissary stands out amongst the brands various concepts as it offers a 360 community hub for foodies. Locals can visit to pick up freshly baked pastries and loaves (exploring old world grains and heritage flours), grab and go at a petite marketplace (featuring lasagna, meatballs, ice cream, and charcuterie), hop up at the bar for a cocktail, get comfy in the dining room for a fine feast or sign up for a hands-on cooking class.
On a recent lunch break I whisked my way through the menu with highlights including a strawberry rhubarb muddled Ginger Rogers cocktail, local burrata perched over juicy peach, a subtle citrus infused avocado toast, authentic Roma style square pizza slice, fatty smoked spicy brisket, playful bonito bustling on cobs of grilled corn, and a wild mushroom ragout cipollini offering a new take on the comfort food we crave.
Ginger Rogers | lot 40 canadian whisky, strawberry rhubarb, honey, lemon, ginger
White Sangria | olmeca altos tequila, cointreau, watermelon, citrus, white wine, grapefruit, soda
Heirloom Tomato, Ontario Peach, Burrata | cherries, moroccan olives, basil
Avocado, Lemon and Gruyere Tartine | breakfast toast, guacamole, lemon, country honey, gruyere, cilantro
Roman Style Margherita Pizza | fior di latte, basil, oven-roasted tomatoes
House Smoked Spicy Brisket | slow roast Drake brisket with 7 spices, potato salad, grainy mustard
Grilled Corn | furikake, bonito, tamari brown butter, lemon balm
Wild Mushroom Ragout & Espresso | kale, cabbage, cipollini, fontina, coffee oil, parmigiano, nasturtiums
