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Cabbagetown Gem: Winchester Kitchen and Bar

Today’s hidden gem comes in the form of Winchester Kitchen and Bar, a second-floor hideaway in historic Cabbagetown. We’ve heard of the site before; it was reopened just last March to little fanfare other than neighbourhood rumblings. The other night we were invited out to check out the space, try the food, and sip some of their signature cocktails. Might we just say: delightful.

Winchester Kitchen and Bar has a beautiful history. Its previous incarnation is said to have been one of Al Capone’s haunts when he was in town, and the small stage anchoring the intimate room was once dazzled by Billie Holiday. It’s replete with dark woods and burgundy leather; high ceilings giving it an airy feel; art deco construction; and the original outdoor sign that once proudly declared the Winchester’s presence has been reconstituted as namesake artwork above the long bar.

Owners Anesti Tsiourantanis and Mareesha Klups have done a fantastic job re-imaging the original bar and updating it so as to attract a new generation of patrons. It’s a haven for those hankering a pared-down respite for dinner, drinks, or late-night live music.

We were treated to a few bites that reflect Winchester Kitchen and Bar’s usual menu. The Beet Tartare – appearing as Beetroot Tartare on the regular menu – with herbed goat cheese and micro-greens was a delicious and clean bite. We highly enjoyed the Porchetta di Testi with truffle oil; find it as part of the Three Little Pigs on offer with the new menu. The Cast-Iron Calamari (same name if you order it there) was cooked to perfection and the house-made chorizo was spicy and sweet excellence.

Not being huge lovers of cabbage rolls, we were surprised by the flavour balance of Winchester Kitchen and Bar’s take on the Eastern European classic – aptly named Cabbagetown Rolls in its full incarnation. And the Crispy Pumpkin Risotto Cakes – appearing as Roasted Pumpkin Risotto in the resto/bar – were crisp and a little mild in flavour.

And yes, there were cocktails. Three to be precise, and we couldn’t help but test them all. (How else would we give an accurate measure of the joint, right?) Winchester Kitchen and Bar’s take on the classic Caesar – the Winchestacaesar, if you’d like to order it by name – had a selection of house-made garnishes (beef jerky, pickled yellow bean and carrot and the like) that are almost worth ordering the cocktail alone. But the interesting use of red wine and fennel in the drink itself are what really make the bevvie stand out.

The Electric Whisky combines Canadian Club and Aperol in a very sweet marriage that make it a great aperitif, and the specially concocted Capone-tini with Spicebox was a lovely end to our stay.

Photos by Adam Mazerall.

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About Addy Saeed

Addy is a full time REALTOR® in Toronto, ON with RE/MAX ® and is involved in different real estate projects alongside community and charity events. An avid investor, auto enthusiast, music lover and long time adventurer. He can be contacted by calling 1-877-439-2339

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