The Living Room Restaurant at Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto

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