Toronto’s Michelin star-awarded ‘Don Alfonso 1890’ unveils stunning new home
TORONTO, July 5. 2022 – Created in partnership with Canada’s hospitality icon, Nick Di Donato, CEO of the Liberty Entertainment Group, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto – recently named Best Italian Restaurant in the World (outside of Italy) by 50 Top Italy – will open its doors to the new North American location. on July 6.
World renowned Michelin star Chef Ernesto Iaccarino’s Don Alfonso 1890, located on the 38th floor of Toronto’s celebrated Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. quite simply a breathtaking new space. Designed by international award-winning designer, Nadia Di Donato, Don Alfonso 1890 boasts an unrivalled 360 degree view of Toronto and Lake Ontario, enveloping an intimate, sexy yet elegant 90-seat fine-dining restaurant.
Globally inspired, locally sourced cuisine
Showcasing the renowned cuisine of chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino and the fresh flavours of the Amalfi coast, Don Alfonso 1890 is a globally recognized concept with locations in Sant’Agata, Amalfi Coast, Italy; Lavello, Basilicata, Italy; Helena Bay, New Zealand; Macau, China and Toronto. Originally trained under the chefs’ helm, Don Alfonso Toronto’s executive chef Daniele Corona and his team will recreate the Michelin experience in the new sleek and spacious open-concept kitchen, with refined menus boasting fresh, local and organic ingredients enhancing the award-winning dishes created by his mentors at the original restaurant.
“Words cannot express our excitement to unveil the next incarnation of Don Alfonso, in its new home with unparalleled views of the city and lake,” said Mr. Di Donato. “After careful research, meticulous planning and construction and spectacular design, we are proud to reveal the personality of this iconic brand, which will undoubtedly surpass all expectations. We anticipate a tremendous response and look forward to offering guests a perfectly sublime, noteworthy first-class dining experience.”
Visionary design and decor
Distinguished with the prestigious design-et-al’s International Hotel and Property Awards for Don Alfonso 1890, Liberty Group’s VP and creative director, Nadia Di Donato has once again designed undoubtedly one of the most magnificent restaurants. Evoking a sense of high style and chic, the space acts as a canvas for the food it presents; each design detail and piece of furniture has been crafted from the finest materials, many imported directly from Italy. Guests are surrounded by stunning contemporary art and noteworthy pieces including those by Philippe Pasqua, Damien Hirst and Mr. Brainwash, among others; spectacular fresh floral arrangements capture the imagination, while the room’s breathtaking, wrap-around floor to ceiling views are some of the most spectacular in the country.
“The new Don Alfonso space on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel is airy, elegant and modern in design. It’s not just the visual effect of the city and water view that greets one’s eyes upon entering, it’s the wealth of small details that keeps one riveted,” explained Nadia Di Donato, VP and creative director at Liberty Entertainment Group. “Details such as the simple organic pattern and slats of metal on the barface that mimic the natural shoreline visible in the background, and at sunset, the backlit columns that blend into the glow of the dawn sky. But what is most striking is how the design mirrors the food; sophisticated yet simple, like the elegant creations on uniquely modern designed plates, but with the sum of the parts adding up to so much more.” She adds, “Creating a striking atmosphere is always the icing on the proverbial cake. Somehow it just makes the food taste even better!”
A memorable menu
Don Alfonso’s cuisine is characterized by its modern Mediterranean flare and the exceptional quality of its ingredients. The Michelin style is echoed throughout the eight-course tasting and à la carte menus of exquisitely crafted dishes produced with expert precision, plated on one-of-a-kind serving vessels selected to highlight the food’s personality in a dazzling presentation. Under the direction of Liberty Group’s director of wine, James Peden and new sommelier, Julie Garton, the menu’s flare and flavours are paired with the finest of curated rare wines and spirits, and a drinks menu intended to elevate the cocktail experience to that of the cuisine.
Don Alfonso remains the most authentic destination for la bella cucina Italia outside of the homeland, where guests will enjoy the celebrated prix fixe menu recently named Meal of the Year 2022, Mulino – Caputo Award by the prestigious50 Top Italy in the home of the Best Italian Restaurant in the World 2022 – Prosecco DOC Award .
“My team and I are thrilled to be in our exquisite new kitchen and look forward to offering the award-winning experience we have been recognized for,” added Chef Corona. “I’m honoured to showcase the Don Alfonso tradition with our carefully curated local and organic ingredients in such a magical and unforgettable space.”
Since opening in 2018, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto has achieved multiple awards and honours including Best Italian Restaurant in the World (outside Italy) – 50 Top Italy, Best New Restaurant in the World & Tre Forchette (3 Forks) – Gambero Rosso, Best Italian Restaurant in Canada & Top Ten of all Restaurants in Canada 2020 – La Liste, 2020 International Hotel and Property Awards – Restaurant Design Global (Shortlisted), Distinguished Restaurants of North America – DiRoNA, Top 100 Restaurants in Canada 2019 – OpenTable, Best of Award of Excellence – Wine Spectator, and Best Restaurants in Canada 2019 – Canada’s 100 Best, among others.
Service at Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto runs Wednesday – Sunday for dinner commencing at 5 PM on July 6th; reservations may be made at www.donalfonsotoronto.com.
About Liberty Entertainment Group
For over three decades the Liberty Entertainment Group — led by Nick Di Donato — has redefined Toronto’s restaurant, nightlife and special event experience. As developers and operators of numerous landmark establishments, the company is recognized as one of the most successful and innovative in the industry. It continues to achieve success for its impressive roster of venues including Toronto’s premier special event facilities, Casa Loma and Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. Liberty Group is also responsible for the development of Toronto’s most prolific restaurants including BlueBlood Steakhouse, Don Alfonso 1890, Xango and three Cibo Wine Bar locations (King West, Yonge St and Yorkville), and the vibrant nightlife space, Arcane. With over 500,000 square feet of hospitality space, the company caters to a diverse clientele of upwards of 1.75 million people per year including A-list celebrities, sports personalities and industry leaders. Visit www.libertygroup.com and on social media @donalfonsoto #donalfonsotoronto and @libertygroup #libertygroup.
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