Cory Vitiello has been a mainstay on 色色啦鈥檚 culinary scene for two decades, presiding over The Drake鈥檚 early-era kitchen then opening The Harbord Room and Flock. Now, he鈥檚 director of culinary and concept at the LFG Growth Partners hospitality group, where he does double duty with culinary development for contemporary fine-dining spot The Chase.
色色啦鈥檚 a great food city, according to Vitiello, because it supports entrepreneurs like him. 鈥淚t鈥檚 full of diverse communities, super-talented people, and guests who actually show up and support,鈥 he says. 鈥淓very neighbourhood has its own vibe, and the city has local, independent restaurants as well as anywhere in the world. There鈥檚 real energy here for building something unique.鈥
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He digs the vibe at The Chase, which he dubs refined but relaxed, 鈥渨ith a focus on great ingredients, warm hospitality, and a team that really knows their craft 鈥 what makes it stand out in 色色啦 is the balance; it鈥檚 elevated without being stuffy.鈥
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The restaurant closest to his heart these days, however, doesn鈥檛 even exist yet. Currently, he鈥檚 building out a new restaurant on the main floor of 10 Temperance St., and, he says, it鈥檚 a totally different vibe from The Chase. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more casual, but still polished and ingredient-driven. We鈥檙e putting a lot of thought into every detail: the food, the room, the energy,鈥 he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a chance to build something from the ground up that complements what we do upstairs but also stands on its own.鈥
In the meantime, here鈥檚 where Vitiello goes for a damn good meal.
Best date-night spot
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,聽1136 Queen St. W.
鈥淚t鈥檚 close to home and completely transformative when you step through the doors off Queen West.鈥
Best baked good
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,聽1801 Lawrence Ave. E.
鈥淎ny time I find myself in Scarborough, it鈥檚 a trip to 碍耻苍补蹿补鈥檚 for just that.鈥
Hidden gem
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,聽397 Roncesvalles Ave.
鈥淟ocated on Roncy, it鈥檚 the quintessential neighbourhood restaurant. Get the borscht; it鈥檚 my wife鈥檚 fave restaurant in the city and for good reason.鈥
Repeat reservation
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,聽972 College St.
鈥淚t is our local spot most visited; they treat my son like a king, and the service and food never miss.鈥
The last best thing you ate
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,聽7 Elm St.
鈥淚 took my team to Barberian鈥檚 for dinner a few weeks back, and their rib steak grilled over live fire was one of best pieces of meat I鈥檝e had in the city.鈥
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Fancy dinner
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,聽419 College St.
鈥淭his is the place I鈥檓 most likely to send friends from out of town upon request. It鈥檚 a truly unique experience. Never failed.鈥
Comfort food
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,
“There’s always a box of their jerk chicken patties in my freezer, and (owner) Opal (Rowe) herself is a true gem worth getting behind.”
Best dessert
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,聽1418 Dundas St. W.
鈥淥r if I鈥檓 lazy, the DQ soft-serve at the end of my street will do.鈥
Lunch spot
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,聽232 Norseman St.
鈥淎 slice of pizza or porchetta sandwich and sweet treat is my go-to.鈥
Best takeout
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, various locations
鈥淚 don鈥檛 care who knows it.鈥
Favourite weekend brunch place
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, various locations
鈥淚 prefer to stay in my underwear doing the crossword on weekends and rarely venture out. But if I do, it鈥檚 in our neighbourhood, slurping down red ramen.鈥
Favourite coffee shop
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, 45 Ripley Ave.
鈥淚 love a morning trip out to Cheese Boutique to see my good friend, (owner) Afrim (Pristine). It’s a nice morning catch-up, and their newly renovated bakery and coffee counter is gorgeous.鈥
Best cocktail
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,聽970 College St.
鈥淚 really love sitting at the window counter and sipping a dry vermouth spritz with olives (thank you, Erin Hershberg).鈥
Place I’m dying to try
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,聽201 Geary Ave.
鈥淔ull disclosure: I鈥檝e been and I love it, but I鈥檓 most looking forward to taking (my wife, Dragonette frontwoman) Martina (Sorbara) and showing that off to her. It checks every one of her boxes.鈥
Briony Smith writes about culture, entertainment and
lifestyle for the Star.
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