Walk into the new King West steakhouse Sonny Can’t Dance and you feel like you’re stepping back in time to when things were more fun.
“At Sonny’s, we want you to come as you are,” says chef de cuisine Austin Redman.
The tunes are retro. The cocktails are kitsch (think banana punch). And the food ranges from tongue-in-cheek — everything-bagel onion rings, for example — to cosy, with dishes like tomato-feta dip and a Wagyu Philly cheesesteak.
The party starts with a complimentary welcome cheese plate, featuring varieties from culinary director Afrim Pristine’s Cheese Boutique, and continues through to the dessert cart, wheeled over at the end with old-fashioned pies and a towering seven-layer rainbow cake. There’s little room for pretence here.
Here are Redman’s own picks for a rollicking good time.
Best date-night spot
Piano Piano, various locations
“The food is really well done with good-sized portions. The drinks are great as well and the atmosphere of the place is really welcoming.”
Best bakery
Tre Mari Bakery, 1311 St Clair Ave. W.
“Their pastries, cannoli, breads and cakes are all unmatched. I love the simplicity and tradition behind everything they make. The quality, craftsmanship and consistency really shine through in every bite.”
Hidden gem
“It’s a charming little neighbourhood gem with top-notch service … and the food is even better.”
Repeat reservation
Gyubee Japanese Grill, various locations
“Their great-priced Japanese BBQ really has my girlfriend and me in a chokehold. The meats are marinated wonderfully and the variety of sides keeps you wanting more.”
The last best thing you ate
Giulietta, 972 College St.
“The Iberico pork chop was so tender and cooked perfectly, and the aged sherry and honey glaze that came with it may have been the best sauce I’ve had in a long time. I had to resist licking it off the plate.”
Current obsession
Côte de Bœuf, 130 Ossington Ave.
“Their steak tartare has me hooked. I tend to judge a restaurant by how well they do their tartare because it really shows the quality of their ingredients and how well they season their other dishes.”
Fancy dinner
Prime Seafood Palace, 944 Queen St. W.
“Coulson is an amazing chef and holds his team to high standards and they always deliver something worthy and delicious.”
Comfort food
Machida Shoten, 326 College St.
“I love a good bowl of ramen any day but especially on a cold day or even a day you’re just looking for something simple and nostalgic. This place does a traditional Yokohama-style iekei ramen that combines tonkotsu broth with shoyu and chicken oil to enhance the broth.”
Best dessert
Gateau Ghost, 974 College St.
“Get their sticky madeleine toffee pudding!”
Lunch spot
“They’re always serving up some delicious Thai food from their own families’ recipes.”
Best late-night craving spot
Ghadir Meat & Restaurant, 1848 Lawrence Ave. E.
“After a long day at work there’s nothing better than refuelling on a nice plate of sujuk shwarma.”
Best takeout
BEAR Steak Sandwiches, various locations
“I remember lining up during the pandemic just to get a taste of their famous steak sandwich.”
Favourite weekend breakfast place
Dad’s Breakfast & Coffee, 1473 Dundas St. W.
“I’m not usually a sit-down breakfast eater as I’m usually on the go so I like to grab Dad’s 48 and go about my morning.”
Best cocktail bar
Compton Ave., 1282 Dundas St. W.
“The staff is very knowledgeable and always has great recommendations. My go-to drink is the Queen’s Gambit: it’s a floral yet bitter mezcal-forward drink.”
Place I’m dying to try
“I am a big fan of Mexican cuisine and an even bigger fan since I took my first trip to Mexico. I have heard nothing but rave reviews of Quetzal and will be heading there to try out their chef’s curated menu as soon as possible.”
