The Gist

One of the most epic openings of the year also happens to be historic.

Built in 1891, The Broadview Hotel has undergone one of the most stunning transformations, complete with 58 boutique rooms (outfitted with goods from local designers and makers), the best rooftop patio in the city, and a ton of great food and booze.

Grub

There are currently two spots to get delicious eats – the lobby Café/Bar on the main level and The Rooftop lounge with epic views.

Executive Chef John Sinopoli and Erik Joyal, who own east-end restos Ascari Enoteca, Hi-Lo Bar and new Gare de L’Est, say they were “very struck by the history of the building” and wanted to reference that in the menu. They did a lot of research and wanted to do “something to harken back to the time.”

The lobby Café/Bar offers a focused menu for lunch and dinner complete with raw bar, pastries and coffee available in the morning, while The Rooftop offers tasty bites from apps to salads to burgers. The upscale bar menu is to “reflect Toronto today,” Sinopoli says, with “clean, bright flavours.”

The soon-to-come restaurant on the main floor, The Civic, will feel opulent and include variations on dishes that were popular back in Victorian times.

Sinopoli and Joyal have been hosts at their east-end restos for years, and count on their longtime providers and producers including Hooked Inc., Cumbrae’s, and 100km Foods.

Libations

Sommelier and GM Ludovic Garnier (formerly of The Spoke Club) put together the wine list for the hotel, which “reflects the cosmopolitan feel of the building,” says Sinopoli. You’ll find a good representation of natural and biodynamic wines, as well as new world wines. Sinopoli calls them “intelligent, soulful wines, but not too heady.”

And you wouldn’t believe the amount of rosé they’re going through. Unbelievable.

Fixtures & Fittings

DesignAgency was responsible for the interior design, as well as creating numerous bespoke furniture and lighting pieces throughout the hotel. DesignAgency looked to the building’s storied past and the neighbourhood’s youthful vibe to create an authentic atmosphere that is at once historic and contemporary, thoughtful and playful, and as laid-back and comfortable as the east-end itself.

Like the outfit your server’s wearing? That’s because they’re donning technical apparel by Canada’s own stellar Kit and Ace.

Off the Menu

From the Rooftop Patio
 
Fried Smelts ($9) The light, crispy batter with salt and citrus that covers these tiny fish is as addictive as wings. And the accompanying harissa mayo delivers a slow heat that pairs perfectly with a cold beer or icy cocktail.

Bay Scallop Ceviche ($16) Tender scallops deliver a lot of pucker and heat via lime and chili leche de tigre, while the white sweet potato adds a hint of sweetness and depth. Finished with pickled cucumber, crispy garlic and cilantro, it’s a fresh, modern dish that satisfies.

Kofte Kebab ($17) Spicy minced, grilled beef and lamb is grilled on a skewer then pulled off and served with Za’atar yogurt, pickled turnips and pomegranate molasses, stuffed into a thick house-made pita. Between the creaminess from the yogurt and tangy zestiness from the pickled turnip baton, it’s a well-balanced dish that’s also incredibly filling. (Substitute meat for crispy cauliflower $15).

From the Café/Bar
 
Crispy Cauliflower ($9) The juxtaposition of pickled, alongside roasted cauliflower is a delight for the palate in taste and texture. And the light, yet still rich peanut sauce just adds to the playfulness of the dish.

Roasted Half Chicken and Mushrooms ($27) Refined. Elegant. And fascinating. A naturally raised heritage breed bird is brined and then dry roasted ensuring succulent meat and crisp skin. Rich and buttery, with the heady fragrance of thyme from porcini thyme jus, and served with roasted seasonal mushrooms, it feels like Thanksgiving in summer. The sautéed baby lettuces, however, give it a modern, light, fresh feel that will have you craving grilled salads from now on.

Deets

The lobby Café/Bar allows for 80 people. The Rooftop accommodates 80 guests inside, with room for 70 outside (charge your phone – you’re going to need it for all the insta pics).

At the Stove: Executive Chef John Sinopoli

Head Honchos: Les Mallins, President of Streetcar Developments and Dream

FOH: Director of Hospitality Erik Joyal

Map it: 106 Broadview Ave. (at Queen E.)

Visiting Hours:

Rooftop
Monday to Friday: 4 pm to 1 am
Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm to 1 am

Café  Bar
7 am to 1 am

Phone it in: 416-362-8439

How Cool is This?! The Tower, which is currently available for private dining and events for up to 20 guests, is one of the most unique rooms in the city.

Check out our Facebook page for more photos.

https://www.yellowpages.ca/articles/the-reveal-broadview-hotel