While we all love our iPads and eReaders, it’s sad to watch so many book stores close down.
That is, unless after they close down, they get turned into a gorgeous 4,000 sq. ft. cocktail lounge and supper club with nap-worthy leather seating and a whiskey tunnel.
That’s right. We said a whiskey tunnel.
This Friday, in an 1864-built heritage building at 45 Front St. E., a location once reserved for bibliophiles in the sanctuary of Nicholas Hoare, will be opening its doors to reservations from whiskyophiles in the prohibition-style paradise of CC Lounge.
From some of the key players behind Pravda, Woods, and Mink comes a long, luxurious lounge focusing on a solid cocktail program, an educational selection of Canadian Whiskeys & American Bourbons, and well-paired authentic cuisine.
While great beers and wines are available, including a tapped white wine option for $1.25/oz (yes, you can buy a however-many-you-want-ounce glass of Sauvignon Blanc), their strength is definitely in their spirits.
Their cocktail menu is a crowd-pleaser. They come in at $11 and $13 with options ranging from ‘Timeless’, like Manhattans, Mules, and Mint Julips, to ‘Legendary’, incorporating unique touches like ‘Wiser’s Torched Toffee rinse’, ginger beer, and Godiva Chocolate liqueur.
The real treat though, for rookies and vets alike, is their true-to-prohibition selection of fine Canadian Whiskeys. You can pluck one-offs from their long list or you can try one of their many 4-sample flights that range from $32 to $180, ideally served with their pairing spread of cheese, chocolate, fruit, and bread.
And we haven’t even gotten to the best part.
If you’re taking in the proud piano riffs in a low leather booth or on a whiskey-barrel high-top and you decide you want a whole bottle of Whiskey, you can go right ahead and order one.
To help you with your selection, their experts will take you through the JP Wiser Whiskey Tunnel for a tasting; a narrow cellar modeled in the spirit of the famous Hiram Walker smuggling corridor connecting Walkerville and Detroit.
And what if you don’t finish your bottle? Well then you can store it at CC Lounge and go drink it whenever you want.
Yep, they’ll keep it there for your very own on-demand access.
Dinner service, designed by Executive Chef Brent Richardson (Glas Winebar, La Carnita) is served Monday through Saturday and includes dishes inspired by the North American cuisine of the 20s and early 30s. Notable items include oysters in whiskey-based mignonette, Waldorf salad, foie gras poutine, and a Canadian twist on the southern ‘chicken & waffles’; fried quail & pancakes.
The bootleggin’ days are back, folks – and this time they’re twice as fun and not nearly as illegal.
Remember though: Always smuggle responsibly.
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