1. Archive Wine Bar
Dedicated to serving leading Ontario wines, this casual, unfussy haunt, recently opened by two Portuguese brothers, is an ideal spot for unwinding once the meeting is over. The wine maps and charts on the exposed-brick walls engage the eyes, while the small plates of Italian-influenced cicchetti, along with traditional Portuguese salt cod and potato fritters, entertain the palate.
2. The Black Hoof (www.theblackhoof.com)
Located at 928, 926 and 923 Dundas Street West, this trio of restaurant (Black Hoof), raw seafood bar (Hoof Raw Bar) and drinking establishment (Cocktail Bar) is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients, from the charcuterie to libations such as the Moulin Rouge (gin, Lillet rouge and blanc, blood orange, orange bitters). No reservations, no credit cards, but taste sensations galore.
3. Art Gallery of Ontario (www.ago.net)
Encompassing some 583,000 square feet, including a striking expansion designed by Toronto’s own Frank Gehry, and housing more than 80,000 works in a collection spanning from antiquity to modern times, AGO ranks among the largest art museums in North America. It is also a masterful choice for events, with skyline views from Baillie Court and dramatic interior space under the 40-foot glass ceilings of historic Walker Court.
4. Bent (www.bentrestaurant.com)
In 1987, Hong Kong-born chef Susur Lee catapulted to international fame with the opening of Lotus in Toronto. His next Toronto project, Lee, opened in 2004 and is now joined by Bent, a sizzling new restaurant run by his sons Kai and Levi Bent-Lee. Mouthwatering from start to finish, his Asian-themed menu of sushi, ceviche and much more includes a fine selection of sake and cocktails. Open Tuesday to Saturday, it’s a lively choice for group celebrations, deal dinners and other gatherings.
5. Grateful Head Salon (www.gratefulheadsalon.ca)
Need to sharpen up your do before your Toronto meeting or big event? Then “head” to this hip salon for cuts that include the “Creative Director” ($65+ men, $70+ women), “Senior Stylist” ($50 men, $70 women) and “New Talent” ($35 men, $55 women). Inspired by her barber father, founder Lisa Fina opened her award-winning salon in 2006 on Dundas West. The present location, on nearby Roncesvalles Avenue (more Little Poland), is designed to make customers feel like rock ’n’ roll royalty.
