Kateryna Topol –
With its heritage architecture Toronto Street is quickly becoming a hot spot for fine dining in the Downtown East. Chambers Steakhouse and Supper Club, at 17 Toronto Street, follows in the footsteps of Don Alfonso 1890 and the Rosewater Supperclub – sampling culinary techniques from one and the supper club feeling from the other.
Many heritage components survived the renovation but even with the original wood panelling intact, the restaurant has been completely transformed. The main dining room is a vast space lined with cherry blossom trees. At night the windows are completely shaded to set the mood inside and respect neigbouring residents’ privacy.
The menu rotates every three months, leaning on seasonal ingredients and all main dishes are precisely portioned for an individual guest. When it comes to the appetizers, however, patrons are encouraged to share.
With rare exceptions (like the Mediterranean grouper), ingredients are sourced locally. “I personally know every single supplier I deal with,” shared chef Emanoeil (Manny) Khacho. “Some of them are from the St. Lawrence Market, the duck is from Québec, and the lamb is from Ontario.”
Chef Manny’s specialty dish is Elk Tenderloin, served with champagne mushroom risotto and topped with blueberry jus. “The blueberry breaks down the gaminess of the meat really well,” he added. The elk is purchased whole and used in its entirety for the core dish and various specials – “we have no wastage here,” Chef Manny reassured me.
In addition to the rotating menu, Chambers Steakhouse features daily specials chosen through a competition among kitchen staff, excluding the executive team, thus fostering internal creativity and opportunity.
The bar menu is similarly straightforward. The wine selection is curated by sommelier Lorie O’Sullivan, who also teaches at George Brown College, while the cocktail menu is mostly classics with an in-house twist. With only three beers on the menu, this back bar is focused on top-shelf tequila and brown spirits.
As a concept, Chambers is just one component of this establishment. The restaurant is complemented by two private dining rooms and a soundproofed nightclub, Penthouse 17, on the top floor. The Rosette private dining room features an original angel mural looking down at patrons from above, while the meeting room is a wine cellar casually showcasing rare Spanish wines rescued from the ocean floor.
Throughout the week the restaurant caters primarily to business people and special celebrations. The pace picks up on Saturday evenings with upbeat music and bottle service. As of January, Chambers began to serve lunch, and this month will introduce a happy hour. The team is also working on a special menu for Valentine’s Day.
Learn more at chamberssteakhouse.ca.
