The view from the Panorama Lounge—located on 51st floor of the Manulife Centre—is always impressive. But this week, its white-tented terraces promises a particularly spectacular vantage point for the Festival of Fire. The annual fireworks series culminates over the next few days with its Canada Day edition and the grand finale on July 4. To tempt ground-dwellers skyward, Panorama has launched a new menu and cocktail list. We went to suss out its pyrotechnic potential.
In addition to an unobstructed view of the lake, Panorama’s terraces offer cozy loveseats and a new collection of colourful (read: sweet) cocktails. The “Sunburst Raspberry” looks better than it tastes; better options include the pear liquer-spiked “Utopia Euphoria” and the “Pom Pom”—pomegranate liqueur blended with sweet peach purée (all cocktails, $12). Chef Scott Doust regularly updates the menu to keep pace with local produce, and the phyllo-wrapped goat cheese salad topped with toasted pine nuts, red pepper and champagne vinaigrette ($15) is a fresh option, as is the club sandwich ($15), with avocado on toasted boule. Our pick for the most satisfying snack are the mini crab cakes served with corn and black bean salsa ($13). The crunch-to-crab ratio is divine.

Those who like to look down on the world will also delight in the lounge’s newly renovated private party room, known as North Panorama. The secluded spot seats 50 for bottle service. But swanky black leather sofas, mirrors and sparkly chandelier are no match for the skyline at sunset. When the fireworks begin, the swoon factor goes up a notch, accompanied by a chorus of oohing and ahing that gets a little louder with each Pom Pom.

| Further reading: bars, cocktails, events, menus, nightlife, Panorama Lounge, Scott Doust

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