WHERE CHEFS EAT
Where Chefs Eat is a weekly series that asks Toronto chefs and restaurant owners to name their favourite places to dine in the city: where they go for everything from weekend brunch to late-night cravings, fancy dinners to dessert.
This week: Jordan Cabal, executive chef at Bar Reyna
Known for: Overseeing the relaunch of Bar Reyna with a new menu that blends updated classics and new Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Bar Reyna has long been one of the jollier spots in Yorkville, famed for their fun array of fries and tasty snacks, delicious cocktails, and rollicking drag brunches, plus a premium patio. After enduring a six-month closure to give the restaurant a more modern makeover, they are reopening this month with a revamped menu filled with both old favourites (the lamb baklava is not going anywhere) and intriguing new treats like caviar sliders and squash-blossom dolmades from Alo and 416 Snack Bar alum Jordan Cabal.
“Bar Reyna has so much history behind it. Not very often as a chef are you able to expand on a beloved restaurant’s menu,” according to the executive chef. “I believe our uniqueness comes from the balance of being able to blend the staples with modern touches, and that’s what I thrive on.”
Now, here are the other food and drink spots across Toronto that remain closest to Cabal’s heart.
Best date-night spot
Grey Gardens, 199 Augusta Ave.
grey gardens
“I know this from experience; it’s where my partner and I had our first date.”
Hidden gem
Ricky + Olivia, 996 Queen St. E.
ricky
“Chef Ricky is doing some of the weirdest and funkiest (in the best way!) takes on very relatable dishes. Every time I go, I get excited for the next visit.”
Repeat reservation
White Lily Diner, 678 Queen St. E.
white lily
“I’ve recently moved into the area, and I feel like at this point we only moved so we can be closer to the OG Patty Melt. One of the best bites in the city; it hits all the notes at once.”
The last best thing you ate
Thai Nyyom, 1419 Bloor St. W.
thai
“Not your average khao soi, this one is earthy and homey and not overly spiced. It’s authentic and feels nostalgic.”
Current obsession
sugo
“Something about a big no-fuss bowl of pasta with a honkin’ big piece of veal parmesan just really gets the heart racing. Italian comfort food done well.”
Fancy dinner
Enigma Yorkville, 23 St Thomas St.
enigma
“If it’s in the fine-dining space, you can’t reach any higher than this. A perfect symphony of flavours presented intentionally and thoughtfully. Please, please (if you are able to) don’t skip out on the cocktail pairings. Each course pairs beautifully together.”
Comfort food
Burger Drops, 116 Atlantic Ave.
burger drops
“Hands down the best burger in the city: half science and half art, they’ve come as close to perfection as you can get when it comes to the smashburger. Don’t sleep on the banana pudding.”
Best dessert
Takja BBQ House, 962 College St.
takja
“Maybe it was a combination of eating them after some incredible iberico pork or A5 wagyu. But their seasonal selections of Korean bingsu just hit the spot. Last time I went was the matcha strawberry and the blueberry, and I’m excited to go again.”
Lunch spot
Linny’s Luncheonette, 174 Ossington Ave.
linnys
“You’ll know after just one bite that the person who made the pastrami sandwich really cared for it. Sometimes cooking is very fast-paced, and especially when it’s busy, it gets a bit chaotic. You can tell that these guys took their time and made it just right.”
Best late-night craving spot
416 Snack Bar, 181 Bathurst St.
416
“Dive-bar esthetic in the front and just slammin’ snacks and drinks in the back. There is a reason that many industry workers go here after their shifts: when this is where chefs and cooks go to eat, you know you are in a good spot.”
Best takeout
BlessedLove Caribbean Market, 753A Queen St. E.
blessed
“A staple in the Queen east neighbourhood. It was recommended to me by my barber over at Glassbox Barbershop, and now it’s a ritual of mine to get something on my way back.”
Favourite weekend breakfast place
school
“I’m a classic eggs, sausage, home fries kind of guy, and they do it here just right. And, if you are feeling particularly sweet that day, don’t miss out on the blueberry pancakes. Fluffy, stacked to the moon and smothered in the best way possible with blueberry sauce.”
Favourite coffee shop
Forget Me Not Coffee, 506 Adelaide St. W.
forget me not
“Quaint and cosy spot serving some of the most fun Asian-leaning lattes. I’m a big iced-coffee drinker, and I can’t resist that dalgona latte.”
Best cocktail bar
Civil Liberties, 878 Bloor St. W.
civil
“They just opened up again in their original location and I can’t wait to go back. Get the dealer’s choice, where you tell them what flavours you are feeling, and their team will sort you out. Personally, I’m a sour guy and love a frothy cocktail.”
Place I’m dying to try
Taverne Bernhardt’s, 202 Dovercourt Rd.
taverne
“Their menu and concept are just so classic but done to the highest level. A must-try.”
Best bakery
brodflour
“Brodflour is an institution and hands-down the best croissant in the city.”
