Toronto’s beloved young professional hotspot The Drake Hotel is set to expand its cultural and entertainment influence within the city by adding a stand-alone restaurant to its arsenal early this summer. Drake One Fifty will pull young professionals back towards the financial district, which has lost some of its nightlife appeal as the social scene shifted increasingly east and westward in recent years.
The 150 York Street location’s 6000-plus square feet will entertain up to 175 guests in its dining room, bar, micro-Drake General Store and curated art and performance space, as well as a 70-seat urban patio, daily from Monday to Sunday. For a more intimate affair, Drake One Fifty will also be available for private bookings.
Executive Chef Ted Corrado (pictured at top) will be in charge of overseeing The Drake’s menu, celebrated citywide for its seemingly effortless blend of contemporary twists on classic fare. You’ll recognize some of your favourites from the Hotel combined with unique dishes especially designed for the new digs. Internationally renowned British designer Martin Brudnizki’s (whose previous projects have included Soho Beach House in Miami, Cecconi’s West Hollywood in Los Angeles and Le Caprice New York) aesthetic takeover of the space will complement what is sure to be an impressive selection of dishes, while Mia Nielsen will curate the permanent and temporary art collections.
Expect the new space to reflect all things young professionals have come to love about The Drake – a light-filled concept complete with a bespoke 65-foot circular marble bar combining the best in social dining, drinking, retail and visual works. Highlights include a custom-made tile floor, Brothers Dressler-designed wood pergola, black steel gantry above the main bar, one-of-a-kind marble top surrounding the circular main bar, custom cork ceiling and, perhaps most impressively, a New York City-inspired louvered steel and glass window curtain wall that will form the entire east wall of the restaurant.
Believe the hype and get up to speed on The Drake’s Downtown move by checking out Drake One Fifty online and getting on the list.
Top photo courtesy Kayla Rocca; 3rd and 4th photos courtesy Connie Tsang