Ahhh, the creative allure of urban grit – it is often the source of excellence in food. Whippoorwill Restaurant & Tavern (1285 Bloor St W), situated in Bloordale, is a culinary gem worth visiting. Chaos, smells and random storefronts pepper this strip of Bloor Street, but nestled in amongst the Laundromats and discount convenience stores lies a culinary treasure – and it is now open for dinner.
Originally famous for its indulgent and scrumptious brunch menu for Bloordale locals, Whippoorwill is now open six nights a week for dinner. Its genre undefined, visitors can dine on comfort food influenced by whatever tastes good. There are no limits – just good taste. Its atmosphere is kitsch, a complement to the neighbourhood; red vinyl seating, Taxidermy on the walls. Etta James and Elvis Presley blast from the stereo. Torontonians in the know would call it cool; your parents would call it a dump.
The food. The food! This is what enchants.
Upon entry, the rows and rows of preserves catch your eye and remind you of simple cottage living and home cooked comfort dishes, but the menu goes far beyond. Beef carpaccio, oysters, and apple crumble share space with South Indian curried mussels, Korean ribs and caldo verde.
Tonight we went for bare bones comfort: a burger and wings. She threw in some roasted cauliflower for variety, which turned out to be a great call. Served on a smooth cauliflower puree with crunchy almonds and a toasted cumin seasoning, this is a crave-able vegetable. The burger is topped as any should be: cheese, bacon, and a signature sauce, in this case a Russian dressing. Unfortunately, the above and beyond burger was overshadowed by General Tso chicken wings. Leaving the drummette and wing attached to create an extra meaty, sizable piece of chicken, they are doused in a sticky sweet sauce and topped with shallots and whole chilies. You will demolish them.
For those looking to avoid the posh nosh, craving delicious and well-priced food without the décor and overworked P.R tactics, book a trip to Bloordale. Step outside the petri dish creations of downtown and get a taste of humble pie – you’ll be glad you did.
His rating:
For a Business Meeting: 4/10. Bring your friends and your dates, not your colleagues or clients.
With a Group: 8/10. Great, shareable and diverse menu, maybe a little cramped.
On a Date: 9/10. Intimate, elegant and relaxed. This is a place to share a meal and a conversation.
Her rating:
For a Business Meeting: 5/10. While the food is fantastic and noise volume ideal, the proximity to anything else is a barrier.
With a Group: 9/10. Craving a good visit? Cozy up and stay a while in an atmosphere that exudes no pressures to rush.
On a Date: 10/10. It oozes with humility, arguably one of the more attractive qualities to find in a partner. Hopefully some of Whippoorwill’s will rub off on you.
His last word: You’ll have to go a bunch of times. A bunch.
Her last word: Ordering the chicken wings would be one of your best life decisions.
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