When word spread last year that the prodigal sons of celeb chef Susur Lee were to have their own restaurant in the coming months, foodies and resto pundits alike were more than a bit amused at the prospect. Their smugness was waived, however, when Bent opened a few weeks back and proved the offspring were more than capable of following in Pop’s footsteps.
It’s a family affair: brothers Kai and Levi run the operation, dad Susur helped oversee the kitchen’s execution of dishes, and mom Brenda Bent-Lee put her stylistic touches to the decor. What we’re left with is a happening Dundas West spot serving up some tasty bites.
It’s an Asian-inspired menu to be sure. Start with Crudo – like the encompassing charred scallop with sundried tomato mignonette – or the spinach custard sushi (with Japanese salmon roe and a chilled yuzu dashi broth), then follow with the coconut shrimp soup or the steamed pork belly. Execution at Bent is top-notch, and should attract everyone from Kaji’s lovers to Beast’s belly-ers.
With food that will likely see high rotation dependent on seasons, a room with a trendy yet homey atmosphere, and more pedigree than most restaurants can ever hope for, expect Bent to be a key player for awhile to come.
