Iron Chef Champion Rob Feenie Takes Toronto

Cactus Club Cafe is set to open their eastern Flagship location in Toronto's First Canadian Place

TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Chef Rob Feenie, one of Canada's most celebrated chefs, is bringing his globally-inspired cuisine to Toronto with the opening of Cactus Club Cafe's first eastern location. Coining the new term "creative fine dining," this 500-seat, three-floor space reimagines the concept of fine dining while showcasing Feenie's unique talent for cooking simple, elegant dishes using fresh, sustainable ingredients. Taking a creative approach to fine dining has led to an elevated yet approachable menu, a relaxed atmosphere, and a vibrant, authentic experience that can only be described as creative fine dining.

In addition to Feenie's signature dishes, the menu will feature eight dishes created for the Toronto opening, including: Veal and Porcini Pappardelle, Lingcod Cocotte, Duck Confit, Rob's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Lamb Medina, Kale and Grilled Chicken Salad, Double Braised Short Ribs and Feenie's Beef Duo, a combination of the Double Braised Short Ribs with a perfectly cooked AAA tenderloin steak.

The beverage program, designed by sommelier and service director Sebastien Le Goff, transports guests on a tour around the world with notable wines and classic cocktails. Le Goff, the ISG Sommelier of the Year in 2006 and a member of the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame, crafted a wine list that includes bold, esoteric, and intricate offerings to highlight Canada's growing wine industry, old world gems, and new world discoveries. The reserve list also includes many fine cellar wines by the glass using an Enomatic wine dispensing unit that incorporates state-of-the-art technology and a special inert gas to preserve open bottles and protect wine from oxidation for up to 28 days, ensuring it is always served fresh.

Occupying over 15,200 square feet of the downtown core's premium First Canadian Place location, this eastern flagship is a new concept for the Cactus Club Cafe collection of restaurants, boasting a reimagined menu and elevated design. Unlike anything in their current portfolio, this restaurant is actually three distinct dining concepts under one roof: the Rob Feenie Dining Room and Lounge, Kate's Bar, and The Deck (rooftop patio).

Rob Feenie Dining Room and Lounge
Located on the second floor, this space is the one official dining room in the building. Seating just over 100 people, the dining room can be booked for private functions with set menus and operate as its own, exclusive venue. The adjacent Lounge will seat an additional 85 and features a stunning bar in the centre with cozy booths surrounding.

Kate's Bar
Affectionately named after the Mr. Brainwash art of Kate Moss that hangs on the wall, Kate's bar is a cozy 68-seat nook on the main floor with an additional 56 seats on the Adelaide Street patio. Featuring a separate entrance with a separate DJ station, this will be the go-to perch for a late night cocktail.

The Deck
The crown jewel of the Toronto location's design, The Deck boasts a fully retractable roof – that melts snow – making it a must-see experience through all seasons. Seating 179 people, the vibe is Miami meets Los Angeles complete with private booths, bottle service, and a completely separate music program. This space operates like a distinct restaurant with its own kitchen, bar, and staff.

Beyond the structure of the restaurant, what really sets Cactus Club Cafe apart is the 360-degree attention to detail, which all starts with the food. With an Iron Chef champion at the helm, the quality of food is the star of the show but equally as important is the AAA location, an acute devotion to the atmosphere, music, and an unparalleled commitment to art and design.

From an interior design perspective, art plays a key role in Cactus Club Cafe's individuality. Stemming from founder Richard Jaffray's passion for art collecting, the space features notable art from both Canadian and international artists. Signature pieces include work by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mr. Brainwash, Brent Comber, Graham Gillmore, and Sol LeWitt; light installations by Denmark's Poul Henningsen and Vancouver's Omer Arbel.

The Cactus Club Cafe is set to open this October (#gojaysgo #comeTOgether).

Hi-res photography will be sent out by end of week.

Location: 77 Adelaide St. W
Website: www.cactusclubcafe.com
Instagram: @cactus_toronto
Twitter: @cactusclubcafe
Facebook: Cactus Club Cafe
#CactusClubCafe

SOURCE Cactus Club Cafe

or to arrange an interview with Chef Rob Feenie or founder Richard Jaffray, please contact: Stefania Yarhi, Narrative PR, [email protected], 416-903-0056