The space formerly known as Dynasty Chinese Cuisine has once again opened up, and this time, it spills not only to the upstairs patio, but the sidewalk as well. This wonderful new space is La Société Bistro, a French-inspired bistro/brasserie brought to you by so-called “nightclub king,” Charles Khabouth, known for such places as the Ultra Supper Club and Guvernment night club.
Laitue au Roquefort et Noix
The main dining room upstairs definitely has a nostalgic feel of Paris in days gone by, right from the furniture to the dark walls and tiled floors. Most compelling, perhaps, is the stained glass ceiling, which takes up a good part of the room. There’s also an amazing seafood bar on the side of the restaurant towards the back – a little hidden, in my opinion. The upstairs patio, unlike the interior, is decidedly more modern, with street level seating meeting about half way.
The menu has many choices, ranging from steaks to seafoods as well as a small selection of vegetarian dishes. Portions are European-sized so for those expecting more, sides are highly recommended. There is also a prix fixe menu, a three course meal for $35. There are three choices of starters, two main (steak frites or mussels) and two desserts.
Steak frites
Presentation and taste of the food is average. For example, the salad, called Laitue au Roquefort et Noix, consisted of Boston lettuce was layered into a floral presentation, with the roquefort cheese and walnuts sprinkled on top. The steak frites didn’t look too original – a piece of meat on one side, with fries on the other and served with shallot confit and maitre d’hotel butter. However, the fries were very well-seasoned (though a little bit salty), and didn’t need any additional condiments. The desserts, which were a choice of either white chocolate crème brulée or chocolate cake, were much better. The cake, which replaced a lemon tart, had a delicious chocolate filling that spurted out when cut into and accompanied by a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and strawberry confit. The crème brulée came with blueberries on top as well as two tiny pieces of biscotti.
Chocolate cake
Despite the quality of food, I would definitely not rule out La Societe as a restaurant to go to when one is in the Yorkville area. I actually think it could be a very “happening” place during the Toronto International Film Festival in September. For the past few years, Yorkville has been a bit quieter, since a lot of things have moved south to King Street. Perhaps this new venue could bring more of the parties back.
NOTE: Stay tuned for a review of the street cafe and brunch menus.
