By Amy Sanderson
As I walked up the spiral steps to attend Le Cocktail hour, I was enchanted by the French-bistro-like exterior of La Société Restaurant. The restaurant has been around for four years, but is a well-kept secret right out in the open. Oddly, I’ve walked by this restaurant on Bloor Street and have seen only the lovely patio out front.
I had no idea such a large restaurant was waiting for me up the stairs. La Société also has in a location in Montréal in the Loews Hotel at rue de la Montaigne and Ste. Catherine.
I was warmly received by the two publicists, Melissa and Rachel.
Kyle, the senior mixologist and sommelier, wasted no time taking my order! He has created a new cocktail menu. He kept us both amused and imbibed!
I asked Kyle how he became interested in mixology. He said that he studied biology at the University of Ottawa and decided that he wasn’t really passionate about that. He decided to go to Australia to explore mixology. Kyle understands the experience of dining out for an evening. “When a customer comes to a bar or a restaurant, they want to experience a full complement of alcohol,” he said.
Les Drinks
I tested the Peach Mule, which featured zesty ginger with refreshing peach. Delicious!
My guest ordered the Absinthe Swiss: a milky concoction with real Absinthe. Interesting, but not my cup of Absinthe.
Next Kyle created Green Tea Gimlet in pewter cups for all of the guests. Refreshing mint flavour in manly pewter cups. I felt like I was at Medieval Times!
The Spice of Life was quite hot with the hot pepper infused in the vodka
Kyle made all the guests a special Watermelon Julep to keep our palettes cleansed.
Among our favourite snacks were:
Tuna tartare on a cracker. Simply delicious!
Grilled cheese with carmelized quince
Seafood ceviche with scallops tuna red pepper mango
Cheese sirloin slider with truffle aioli and pickle – just wow.
Summer Negroni had a nice grapefruit aftertaste. Quite strong (like a regular negroni). Delicious.
I definitely recommend popping into La Société Restaurant to try their new cocktail menu the next time you are strolling along Toronto’s Mink Mile.
La Société Restaurant, 131 Bloor Street West, #211, Toronto, 416-551-9929
