The Reveal – Cactus Club Café
The Gist: The Cactus Club Café is an institution in the west and Toronto is now home to the first eastern location The restaurant offers lunch, dinner and drinks over three floors and three distinct dining concepts, all with original artworks and installations throughout. Simultaneously swanky and approachable.
Grub: Iron Chef Champion and celebrated chef Rob Feenie’s menu is jam packed with fine dining fare, but CCC prefers to call it "creative fine dining." Founder Richard Jaffrey describes it as, "Not fine dining , not casual."
The menu showcases sustainable ingredients and a lot of seafood, thanks to their west coast roots. And in addition to their signature dishes, the menu will feature eight dishes created for the Toronto opening, including:
Veal and Porcini Pappardelle
Lingcod Cocotte
Duck Confit
Rob’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Lamb Medina
Kale and Grilled Chicken Salad
Double Braised Short Ribs
Feenie’s Beef Duo - a combination of the Double Braised Short Ribs with AAA tenderloin steak.
Libations: Sommelier and Service Director Sebastien Le Goff has curated a dreamy collection of old and new world vinos. That, along with his extensive knowledge and immense passion, allows you to experience new varietals next to old favourites. You’ll come back for Sebastien’s brilliant recommedations and finds as much as anything else.
'Hood: Financial District
Deets: By the numbers - It’s the 28th location (22 in BC, 4 in AB and 1 in Saskatoon) in 27 years of business. The restaurant spreads over 15,200 sq. ft, with 500 seats, 3 floors, and 3 distinct dining concepts- (Rob Feenie Dining Room and Lounge with seating for 100), Kate’s Bar (68 seats inside, 56 on the patio) and The Deck (179 seats all under an all-season fully retractable roof that melts snow.).
Fixtures & Fittings: Jaffray says that he chose this location here because of the rooftop patio and deck (think mini SkyDome vibes). Real leather was used for the banquettes instead of vinyl and wood tables in Kate’s Bar were sourced from Italy. From the retractable roof to elegant elevator, the sexy artwork to the fascinating light installations, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as stomach.
Off the Menu:
Tuna Tataki ($15.50)
Seared Ocean Wise Albacore, papaya slaw, pine nuts, yuzu vinaigrette, micro cilantro
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Scallops ($8.25)
Seared Scallop, apple curry foam, basil oil, black pepper croutons
Lingcod Cocotte ($33) Ocean Wise Line-Caught Lingcod, roasted mushrooms, brioche croutons, pearl onions, truffle butter
Duck Confit ($26) braised lentils, double smoked bacon, soy-truffle vinaigrette, baby frisée salad
Feenie’s Beef Duo ($44) a combination of the Double Braised Short Ribs with a perfectly cooked AAA tenderloin steak, potato pave, celeriac purée in a port wine jus
Caramel Chocolate Mousse (single $3, double $6, triple $9)
Velvety chocolate mousse, crunchy sponge toffee, warm caramel foam
Key Lime Pie ($8.25)
Freshly squeezed key limes, graham cracker crust, hand whipped cream. Cool fact - each pie is made with 26 key limes.
How Cool is This Part of founder Richard Jaffray’s art collection has made it onto the walls with stunning original works and prints by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mr. Brainwash, Graham Gillmore, Sol Lewitt and Brent Comber. Light installations by Poul Henningsen of Denmark and Omber Arbel out of Vancouver deliver a soft glow.
At the Stove: Chef Wil Leung
FOH: Ryan Hoyle, Manager of Front of House
Head Honchos: Founder Richard Jaffray, Chef Rob Feenie
Visiting Hours: Sun-Wed 11am - 1am
Thurs - Sat 11am - 1:30am
Map It: First Canadian Place - 77 Adelaide St. W.
Phone It In: (647) 748-2025
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