After months of buzzing anticipation, and a brief tease during TIFF when the space was a pop-up venue for some of the festival’s most coveted parties, sure-to-be new YP hot spot Patria celebrated with a Spanish-style launch party on Wednesday night.
The Spanish tapas restaurant, which officially opens its doors to the public wiithin a few weeks (reservations definitely recommended) is the latest venture by Ink Entertainment’s nightlife king Charles Khabouth and the man behind the city’s most popular YP destinations, Hanif Harji (F-Stop, Storys and Weslodge).
The impressive two-level space – located at 480 King West, tucked away off the street right next door to Weslodge – was designed by Commute Home and aims to capture the essence of Spain. Avant-guarde talking points include a cross-stitch wall, elegant staircase and one-of-a-kind light fixtures and design installations.
The party filled with the event circuit elite and no shortage of passed tapas was a good indication of what we can expect from the newest Spanish restaurant, with a fare made from only the freshest ingredients (imported right from Spain) to reflect the authentic tastes and ingredients of the country.
The dishes are created with a commitment to authenticity and the traditional cooking methods of Spain, whether a la plancha or baked in the kitchen’s large wood-fire oven by Executive Chef Stuart Cameron (currently of Weslodge, formerly of Kultura and Nyood) and Chef de Cuisine Claudia Gibson (formerly of Frank at the AGO). Featuring specialty seafood, meats, cheeses, olive oils and spices, along with a variety of other top-quality ingredients, Patria’s kitchen has created a sure-to-please selection of classic dishes – everything from crispy jamon croquettes to traditional paella – that rely on Spain’s uncomplicated approach to fresh and seasonal food.
An impressive array of tapas and pintxos are prepared by hand at the bar and feature regional Spanish cheeses and the legendary ‘iberico jamon’ from Spain’s highly-prized acorn-fed black-hoofed pigs. Fresh seafood is a staple at Patria every day of the week (even Mondays) and they showcase an ever-changing selection of it sourced daily.
The authentic Spanish experience is carried through in the drinks. Drink favourites on Wednesday included Spanish beer and a Spanish Manhattan made with Bulleit bourbon. Of course Patria’s wine menu features an impressive list of Spanish labels that highlight a variety of wine styles produced across the regions of Spain and are imported exclusively to pair effortlessly with every item on the menu. The selection is destined to elevate the popularity of Spanish wines that rarely make it to Canada, with 75 per cent of wines hand selected and imported directly from Spain for the restaurant.
Patria is open 7 days a week for dinner, serving lunch Monday to Friday, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. You should go.