(Image: Gizelle Lau)
For over a decade, Katherine Rodrigues and Alison Mackenna worked in many of Toronto’s busiest Bay Street restaurants—white-tablecloth affairs where the food sometimes played second fiddle to the atmosphere. So when the two got together with chef and restaurateur Rodney Bowers—of Rosebud, Citizen and Le Petit Castor—the result was bound to put the focus where it belonged. Enter The Gabardine: a cozy yet sophisticated mom-and-pop neighbourhood gastropub smack dab in the middle of Bay Street (true to its location, The Gabardine is closed on weekends).
In the kitchen, Bowers and chef Graham Pratt, of Rosebud and Citizen, turn out unpretentious and hearty fare, like smoked trout with celeriac salad ($13) and a pulled pork sandwich with spicy pickled cabbage ($14). Such starters as salted cod cakes with smoked paprika aïoli ($9) and the large ploughman’s lunch ($17)—with homemade rillettes and pâtés, as well as local cheeses sourced from the Cheese Boutique—are tailor-made for sharing over after-work drinks. A beet risotto with goat cheese and greens ($19) and the beef stroganoff with warm buttered noodles ($23) round out the more filling options. They also serve breakfast from 8 a.m.
The space, formerly home to Blue Stone Grill and Bar, is bright, comfortable and right on trend, with high tin ceilings, warm chestnut floors and bare pine tabletops. Edison light bulbs hang over tables, and re-purposed antique train lights illuminate the bar and the pièce de résistance: a retro, dual-coloured Elektra espresso machine. A giant blackboard by the bar lists local microbrews and classic cocktails that are a hit with the after-work crowd. Hanging on the spare, white walls are framed newspaper clippings and advertisements—including, of course, an old Eaton’s ad for men’s gabardine wool coats.
The Gabardine, 372 Bay St. (at Richmond St. W.), 647-352-3211, thegabardine.com.
I LOVE IT!!! These 2 beautiful ladies know how to get er done!! Looking forward to the wonderful service and eats!
January 26, 2011 at 9:56 am | by JeskaJust stopped in for a coffee as I work next door and got to say, the interior is great, staff was very personable and friendly, looking forward to trying their lunch and dinner menu. Good luck…
January 26, 2011 at 12:04 pm | by TimJust had the most wonderful lunch. I was with my daughter, her boyfriend and a colleague. We were all in agreement that the food and service was exceptional. Dessert is something you don’t want to skip. We shared three different ones and they were all wonderful. We will definitely be back!
January 26, 2011 at 4:02 pm | by Maryone of the best places in town to eat , there food is amazing !! , and a wonderfull place to hang out .
January 26, 2011 at 4:45 pm | by eddie jesusThe place is cute, the service was pleasant but not fast, and the food that we had was decent. But, it’s clear that the owners are trying to make as much hay while the early sun shines, as possible. Tables are crammed together in claustrophobia-inducing closeness, and where there should be 3 they are jamming in 4.
Service was pleasant, but if you don’t have an hour to wait for a salad and grilled cheese, you are better off going elsewhere.
I’m sure it’s growing pains and that things will settle down, but I’m afraid I won’t be back until they do.
January 27, 2011 at 1:55 pm | by KevinThe decor is relaxing and cool,the staff are personable,helpful and friendly, and the food is fantastic;nice selection of beer and wine too.Ate there with my family and we all ate different things–everything was delicious,beautifully presented,interesting and fresh.It doesn’t get better than this-comfort food in a comfortable atmosphere and friendly surroundings.A great place to enjoy the food and the drink.
January 27, 2011 at 5:23 pm | by StephenI just enjoyed the best Mac and Cheese I think I’ve ever had, thanks to a generous portion of cheese and the perfect combination of flavours. The atmosphere is warm and very tasteful and the service we experienced was top-notch (thanks, Simon!). There isn’t a place like it for miles around so I know you’re going to do well. We all hope you open on the weekends!
January 27, 2011 at 8:28 pm | by Babs DenbyI had a lovely meal there after work, and it’s a perfect place on a winter night. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the food was delicious, and the service was great, so I’ll definitely be back!
January 27, 2011 at 8:35 pm | by J.I had a fantastic meal at The Gabardine! The mac and cheese was perfect, best I have ever had. The desserts (we tried three) are delicious, creative and beautifully presented. I will be going back for lunch very soon.
January 27, 2011 at 9:12 pm | by BrittanyWow – so many glowing (and very similar) comments for a place that’s only been open a week. THAT doesn’t look too suspicious… Anyone at TL check the IP addresses on these?
January 28, 2011 at 11:14 am | by JimboI went there the other day. Oh how I long for the days of the Bluestone, when washed out lawyers and bankers would slouch in their barstools at 3pm and yell at the barkeep. The new place is very very bright, not at all the depressing atmosphere I need after a long day of selling my soul to the man. $8/pint after tax/tip, so on par with other post-work watering holes. Especially since Houston’s cut back their happy hour to 7:00 (oh woe is me).
January 28, 2011 at 3:38 pm | by Natalieenjoyed a wonderful dinner! absolutely fabulous burger. don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding – it’s the stuff dreams are made of! can’t wait to go back.
January 28, 2011 at 6:11 pm | by brookeI’m with Jimbo, I smell a rat.
February 1, 2011 at 9:54 am | by ljwtorontoTirades like that always seem to be grounded in bitterness and seemingly are out of nowhere. Hate postings on a restaurant write up is horrendously stupid. I am an employee of the gabardine. What is so suspect about receiving good feedback? we have been listening to all constructive feedback good and bad. READ constructive. Hope to see you all down at the resto again soon!
February 2, 2011 at 11:48 am | by Celery manSounds like a great job so far guys! I work next door and have watched the transformation from the old (and I mean old) Bluestone to this refreshing addition to Bay Street. I look forward to trying them for lunch and dinner in the near future. Do they offer coffee/latte to go? If so, there’s an office full of business coming their way!
February 2, 2011 at 7:20 pm | by Work Week Neighbour