Let’s hear it for Food & Wine Magazine! In their latest issue, they cite their 100 Best New Food & Drink Experiences, and throw a little love to beer and the Ontario capital in so doing.
First, the beer love:
61. Under the heading “Breakfast Twists,” the magazine delivers deserved accolades to the tasty Founder’s Breakfast Stout. Imagine what they might have written had they tasted Canadian Breakfast!
88 – 90. Under “Beer Innovators,” the magazine shines the spotlight on Baird Brewing in Tokyo, Brasserie 4:20 in Rome and the new Moerder Lambic bar in Brussels. The last in particular has me still contemplating a visit to Belgium for the sole purpose of drinking there!
And now, Toronto:
3. Yes, you read that right, number 3 in the list is Toronto’s secret dining club, Charlie’s Burgers. And based on the lone Charlie’s meal I’ve been privileged enough to enjoy, it is indeed a deserved position of honour.
86. In the “Innovative New Bars” section, F&W gives a shout out to our own Frankie Solarik (pictured right) and Barchef, the coolest bar and bartender in central Canada.
Congrats to all!
Not to belittle Charlie’s (or any other winner), but I don’t believe the list is intended to be one where the numbers indicate rank. They seem to be grouped by category – the first few are all underground dining clubs, for example.
But hell, just making the list is pretty cool, regardless of the number! And having been lucky enough to attend TWO Charlie’s dinners, I agree that it’s well deserved.
I know that and you know that, Greg, but people still obsess over numbers and number 3 is a pretty good one for that.
Frankly, I’m more excited that Barchef is finally winning some deserved recognition. And here’s a scoop: Frankie has done the cocktail list for the bar at the new Thompson Hotel on Bathurst, which opens later this spring, apparently. Three legitimate cocktail destinations — including the revamped Brassaii on King Street — within walking distance of my place! Now THAT’S reason to celebrate.
I couldn’t agree more. I’m a HUGE fan of Barchef. While the Manhatten is pricey, you have to try it at least once! Brassaii is right across the road from my office. I’m loving the new layout, look and feel. Very impressive.