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Toronto’s newest dining concept opens at The Ritz-Carlton just in time for TIFF

TORONTO, ON, September 1, 2021 – Today, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto officially unveils EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace, the highly anticipated concept that redefines pub culture and pays homage to traditional British gastrobars. Tucked away on the lobby level of the luxurious hotel, just south of vibrant King St. West, the hidden oasis is a nod to iconic food and beverage trends of the past, reimagined into a new perspective on modern dining.

Dining Room – EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace, *photo by Brandon Barre*

With a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere, EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace greets guests with a relaxed, chic dining room – the ideal place to unwind and socialize among a thoughtfully curated gallery of works by Caitlin Cronenberg and Canadian artist Heidi Conrod. The pieces showcase Cronenberg’s striking images of film industry icons, playfully layered with Conrod’s painterly brushstrokes. The centrepiece of the restaurant is a stunning wrap-around bar fitted with pale stone countertops. The scenic terrace facing Simcoe Park, with views of the CN Tower, boasts 88 seats and features an open-air kitchen with a stone fire oven along with a canopied bar, lush greenery and sleek fireplaces.

Jason Griffin – bar manager, EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace, *photo by Evan Bergstra*

General Manager, Guillaume Benezech says, ‘We wanted to provide a place that evokes your own story, where you can enjoy a personalized experience and create memories with your friends, family and colleagues.’

Each detail of the refined venue was designed in partnership with renowned interior design firm DesignAgency. The restaurant’s iconic interiors and exquisite terrace were inspired by the romance of travel and the glamour that graces the area during the Toronto International Film Festival each September. “Epoch is a venue for the ages,” says Allen Chan, founding partner of Design Agency. “The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto is the gold standard for luxury and service around the world, and EPOCH brings those values to an engaging social space that’s intimate, elegant and relaxed.”

Earth-to-Table Fare

Roasted half lobster, EPOCH, *photo by Evan Bergstra*

Engrained with the values of the slow food movement, EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace’s menu was created by Chef Jeff Crump to honour earth-to-table cuisine and give a nod to beloved UK gastrobar classics with a modern twist. Each ingredient used on the menu is thoughtfully-selected with a deep understanding of its origins, attention to quality and a commitment to the eat local philosophy. ‘I am excited to bring guests comfort food with a modern touch, infused with seasonality and thoughtfully-sourced ingredients,’ says Chef Crump.

Chef Jeff Crump, *photo by Evan Bergstra*

The menu features a selection of comforting fare that will take guests on a tantalizing journey from land, to garden, to sea with mouth-watering dishes like the Roasted Half Lobster with Tarragon Butter, Focaccia Deluxe and Curry Lamb Shank. Add a sweet ending to the meal with a decadent dessert like the Pineapple Upsidedown Cake or Profiteroles filled with milk chocolate ice cream, topped with caramel & chocolate sauce.

Profiteroles filled with milk chocolate ice cream, topped with caramel & chocolate sauce. *photo by Evan Bergstra*

A Sip Through the Ages

EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace’s cocktail program, designed by esteemed mixologist Jason Griffin, uses creative mixology to transport patrons through the eras. The imaginative beverage menu is divided into three chapters, each indicative of a moment in time: Retrospective (retro classics reimagined for today’s sophisticated taste), Contemporary (focused on the current trends of eco-sustainability and health consciousness) and Prospective (forward-looking cocktails using modern techniques).

Business As Usual cocktail – EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace, *photo by Evan Bergstra*

Guests can expect to experience showstopping creations from the bar that spark nostalgia and intrigue the senses like the Mermaid Lagoon (Ketel One vodka, blue curacao, sparkling lacto-fermented lemonade), Moment of Zen (Seedlip Garden 108, matcha tea, citrus stock, aqua fava) and Business as Usual (basil-infused Mezcal Amores Verde, liquor strega, clarified cucumber & tomato, ghost pepper).

Along with its regularly scheduled dinner service, EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace offers an express lunch option for business professionals on the go, live jazz music every Friday, a private lounge with billiards table as well as private event and dining offerings.

For more information on EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace or to make a reservation, visit www.epochtoronto.com.

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca