What a week! Between finalizing wedding details, planning several upcoming events, organizing work, home, and life in general, I’ve definitely been missing some zzz’s. So how does this girl unwind during busy times? By eating fantastically, and keeping my taste buds happy.
Toronto has so much to offer, and eventually we hope to explore more of this lovely city. Usually we scour the web for a new place to visit but with all of the recent and great reviews it didn’t take us very long to decide on The Chase. Wow, WHAT A GEM! This restaurant is a true beauty in terms of architecture and design, and styled like a page right out of a magazine. Refined and spotless, I’ve never seen a more beautiful restaurant. The establishment is comprised of an upstairs (5th floor) and a downstairs (ground level) connected via an elevator. Upstairs is the penthouse restaurant called The Chase, complete with a gorgeous rooftop patio. The downstairs is The Chase Fish & Oyster, which we still have yet to try. Two completely different environments under one roof, but both equally appealing to the senses.
The first thing you see when you step out from the elevator onto the 5th floor is a team of hostesses and this elegant and bright hallway. I’m loving the light fixtures and tiling – I want this in my house! Everything feels very posh because of the unique furnishings, yet also very approachable because of the friendly smiles and cheerful staff greetings. As you know, in addition to a delicious meal we also place high value on hospitality. Thankfully, we can honestly say that The Chase has got this part covered :D.
Freshly baked focaccia, with a charming mini leaflet containing it’s recipe. For all the home bakers out there, I’m really glad the restaurant actually shares this with us :D.
We started with the Avocado appetizer stuffed with shrimp on a bed of sweet sliced mangoes. We didn’t have to think twice about this, given how much we love avocados. Usually I find this species of yellow mangoes quite sour, but these were surprisingly sweet and drizzled with a chili sauce. Resembling a contemporary sushi roll without the rice, it was very pretty, and best of all tasty.
Gin and tonic for Joseph.
Some very delicious tropical juice for me.
Oysters, another fav of ours! We haven’t had any since last year, so this was a treat reminiscent of a summer seemingly long ago :D.
Mmm mmm mmm… Big Eye Tuna, compliments of the chef. Guys, this is a must-order dish: big bites of fish, topped with artichoke and kohlrabi, and seasoned with sesame, crushed edamame, and soy. Loved, loved, loved the dollops of creamy avocado puree! đ
For my main I had scallops on a bed of red quinoa, served with an egg and ham hocks in a lemon-almond relish. Everything on the dish was of substantial portion size, and the jumbo scallops were perfectly seared.
Joseph ordered the pasta dish with spinach cavatelli noodles, spinach pesto, white mushrooms and shaved parmesan. It was our first time having cavatelli pasta, and I thought it had a nice hearty chew for such a bite-sized noodle. Although fusilli and rotini remain my fav, cavatelli was a welcomed change.
And then came the best part: DESSERT!!! We ordered the strawberry cheesecake which was their latest addition to the menu, and a chocolate and peanut dessert shaped like an eclair. The cheesecake was scruptious with pink meringue, a crunchy caramel garnish, genuine vanilla beans, and a sliced strawberry sitting over pillowy cream.
We ended our night with tea, and although the menu didn’t state which brand was used, we knew it was none other than Sloane Tea! With lovely names like “Heavenly Cream” and “Marrakesh Mint” they practically gave themselves away ;).
Remember how stylish I said this place was? Here’s a compilation of some interior pics I took (minus the awesome glass bar). They have many different types of chairs and tables in their various seating areas, and all very contemporary in design. Looking like a Restoration Hardware showroom, I wanted to take a lot of this stuff home. Everything’s even more glamorous in person with the high ceilings, glass walls, and natural lighting everywhere.
Plush purple velvet, need I say more?
Seating for 10.
Handsomely studded walls behind banquet seating.
The large rooftop patio.
Joseph and I had a great time at The Chase, which was a much needed getaway. We appreciated the fantastic food and abundance of great servers. The only downside is parking, and although valet is never on our radar, due to nearby construction it’s nearly impossible to park without it.
In a way, The Chase gives off an elusive supper club vibe complete with alleyway side entrance. From a quick glance, The Chase Fish & Oyster on the first floor resembles more of a dark modern bar, whereas The Chase feels very airy and Gatsby-esque. Either way, we look forward to our next visit already and will definitely be back for summer oysters ;).
The Chase
10 Temperance St
Toronto, ON, M5H 1Y5
(647) 348-7000
